TOBACCO CONTROL REPORT CARD Florida received low grades across several categories on the American Lung Association’s 2023 State of Tobacco Control report card. A failing grade was given on tobacco prevention and cessation funding, taxes on tobacco, and flavored tobacco products. Florida received a “D” on access to cessation services, but earned a high “B” Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
15 WEEK ABORTION BAN The Florida Supreme Court has refused to issue a stay, without comment, on the State’s 15 week ban on abortions. The vote was 4-1. The Court will, at a later date, take up the constitutional issues raised by the plaintiffs. GUN PREEMPTION The Florida Supreme Court has upheld Florida’s law that penalizes local Read more about Legal Updates[…]
Appointed by Governor DeSantis: Agency for Persons with Disabilities Taylor Hatch is the new director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Hatch, former Florida Department of Children and Families deputy secretary, replaces Barbara Palmer. Palmer, who resigned on December 31st, was appointed in 2012 by Governor Rick Scott. Board of Governors of the State Read more about Movers and Shakers[…]
BRIGHTLINE Brightline Trains unveiled renderings of the station located at the Orlando International Airport. Even though the building was completed five years ago, the station has been sitting empty. The station will have luxury amenities featuring an upscale retail experience and a signature bar called Mary Mary, which will serve hand-crafted cocktails and lite bites. SUNRAIL Universal Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
Marcia Cooke Marcia Cooke, the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge, died on January 27th at the age of 68. Cooke moved to Florida in 1992 and served as director of professional development in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Additionally, she served as Executive Assistant U.S. Read more about In Memoriam[…]