Florida

Tool to address homelessness implemented in Orlando suburb

(The Center Square) – A recent experience with a homeless man has prompted an Orlando suburb to consider a new ordinance banning people from camping on public property, including parks and highway rights of way.

“We had a variety of complaints about a specific individual who had set up an encampment on our sidewalks,” Atlamonte Springs City Manager Frank Martz told The Center Square. “It included a grill, a heavy workout bag, a bunch of pets in cages.”

The man refused to move.

“We didn’t have a tool to address that,” the city manager said. “Now we do.”

Special Sat, 12/16/2023 - 09:14

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FWC TrophyCatch program ends Season 11 with a splash

1 year ago By Special

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) TrophyCatch program wrapped up a successful 11th year with two major events, awarding anglers with neat prizes including a brand-new bass boat!

The TrophyCatch team awarded one lucky winner a Phoenix bass boat at the Bobby Lane High School Cup fishing tournament on Dec. 2. Five finalists randomly selected from TrophyCatch registrants participated in a reverse drawing that named youth angler Curtis Collins the winner of the boat package.

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Insurance commissioner pushes back on U.S. Senate probe

(The Center Square) – Florida’s Insurance Commissioner is pushing back on a U.S. Senate investigation into Citizens Property Insurance Company, which is backed by the state government.

“The committee is … increasingly concerned about Florida’s uniquely large and growing exposure to climate-related property losses, Citizens’ rapidly expanding market share, and state law allowing Citizens to levy special assessments on all policyholders in the event that losses exceed its ability to pay,” U.S. Sen Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said in a recent statement.

Special Fri, 12/08/2023 - 16:25

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Governor Ron DeSantis’ future budget focus highlights conservation

1 year ago By Special

On Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the proposed Fiscal 2024-2025 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, solidifying his commitment to support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) mission to protect Florida’s natural resources.

The budget will help provide Floridians with more opportunities to get outdoors and high-priority conservation items including coral reef restoration, derelict vessel removal and habitat restoration initiatives. 

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Bill would override prohibition on local bans for plastic bags

(The Center Square) — A Florida lawmaker is hoping a new bill recently filed will bring about an end to plastic bags and other single-use plastics if passed.

Senate Bill 498 is sponsored by state Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando. It would amend two Florida statutes and remove the preemption of local laws regarding the regulation of containers, wrappings, or plastic bags.

Special Sun, 12/03/2023 - 17:12

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Florida expands semiconductor manufacturing capabilities with $28M in grants

(The Center Square) — In another push to reduce reliance on China and other foreign entities, Florida is expanding its semiconductor manufacturing capability.

Special Wed, 11/29/2023 - 07:22

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