Florida lawmakers seek new election security measure for ballot boxes

(The Center Square) — A Florida lawmaker has filed a new bill intended to protect election ballots from tampering.

Senate Bill 190 is sponsored by Sen. Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, and it would require a law enforcement officer to transport ballot boxes or transfer containers from an election supervisor to a precinct. This includes all ballots, ballot stubs, memoranda and papers.

FWC issues executive order to close recreational harvest of gag grouper in Gulf state waters starting Oct. 19

At its October meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order to close recreational harvest of gag grouper in Gulf state waters. The 2023 recreational season for gag grouper in Gulf state waters, excluding state waters of Monroe County, will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on Oct. 19, consistent with the closure in adjacent federal waters. The Gulf gag grouper recreational season will reopen on Sept. 1, 2024. 

Florida moves to fly stranded Americans out of Israel

(The Center Square) – After Hamas attacked Israel, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the state would be advancing greater sanctions against Iran. He also declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order to activate the national and state guard and other agencies to help bring Americans home who are stranded in Israel. 

White House bets $7B on hydrogen hubs

(The Center Square) – The Biden administration cut a $7 billion check on Friday to launch its vision for a hydrogen-fueled future.

The money augments $40 billion in private investment to build seven hydrogen hubs across the nation that will decarbonize transportation and industrial manufacturing, slashing 25 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

The amount “roughly” equates to removing 5.5 million gasoline-powered vehicles from the road, or just under 2% of the estimated 286 million operational cars in the United States.

FWC’s School Fishing Club Program funds 50 Florida schools to support outdoor education

FWCThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) School Fishing Club Program funding recipients have been selected for the 2023-24 school year. After undergoing a comprehensive review, 50 schools were awarded the Florida R3 Fishing Grant.

DeSantis announces plan to expand sanctions on Iran

(The Center Square) – Within days of Hamas attacking Israel, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state plans to increase sanctions against the Iranian regime. The new sanctions include expanding the industries on Florida’s scrutinized companies list and strengthening Florida’s position against states that sponsor terror.