State

(The Center Square) — According to state officials, a multi-agency Florida strike force has enjoyed a strong year helping combat human smuggling, sex trafficking, illegal weapons and illicit narcotics.

More than 40 human smuggling charges were filed while $2.7 million worth of illicit drugs were seized, according to a news release from DeSantis’ office.

Gov. Ron DeSantis stated in a news release that other states dealing with the influx of illegal migrants can use Florida as a blueprint in the future.

(The Center Square) – Following a major trafficking bust in Polk County where law enforcement officers rescued victims who’d been smuggled through the southern border in Texas and ended up in Florida, farther north in the Panhandle, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced the results of another operation targeting exploitation of minors and border-related crime.

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Nancy Watkins and reappointed Ashley Bell Barnett, Kelly Rice, and Joel Schleicher to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board. Watkins represents Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, Bell Barnett represents Polk County, Rice represents Citrus, Lake, Levy and Sumter counties and Schleicher represents Charlotte and Sarasota counties. 

(The Center Square) — Florida officials predict that contributions to the state’s education system from the state lottery will decrease this fiscal year by $270 million.

Officials at the Florida Legislature's Office of Economic and Demographic Research forecast that Florida Lottery and other sources such as slot machines will transfer $3.12 billion to the various education trust funds, which includes $560 million left over from the previous fiscal year.

With the new school year right around the corner, it is time to register for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2023-24 School Fishing Club Program!

This annual educational program focuses on teaching youth anglers about best fishing practices to help ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

The 2023 recreational season for gray triggerfish in Gulf state and federal waters will open Aug. 1. The season is scheduled to close on Jan. 1, 2024.

The 2023-24 recreational season for greater amberjack in Gulf state waters will open Aug. 1 and remain open through Aug. 25.

(The Center Square) — The U.S. Senate passed its version this week of the Department of Defense's funding bill and Florida military bases could receive $582.5 million for construction projects.

The National Defense Authorization Act passed Thursday on an 86-11 vote, setting up a possible showdown with the House, which passed its version of the bill on July 14. The two sides must iron their differences before the $886 billion bill can go to President Joe Biden for a possible signature.

The Center Square -- The Florida Financial Impact Estimating Conference released a report on July 13 finding that approval of the marijuana initiative would generate between $195.6 million and $431.3 million in annual state and local revenue if approved by voters.

The initiative would legalize marijuana for adults 21 years old and older. Individuals would be allowed to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana (about 85 grams), with up to 5 grams in the form of concentrate.

(The Center Square) - The Economic Estimating Conference met on Saturday to discuss Florida’s booming economy, and some of the shortfalls that could happen in the future.

Florida has had a huge amount of growth, and its general revenue is expected to peak at $46.3 billion in fiscal year 2023, then flatten in 2024 to $45.3 billion.