Florida's 6-week abortion ban takes effect & Pro-Palestinian protests breakout at Florida universities
May 3, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Florida’s 6-week abortion ban takes effect
Abortion providers and activists across the state are preparing for a new law effective May 1, restricting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy and effectively cutting off abortion access for most of the South. Last year, over 9,000 individuals traveled to Florida for abortion services, but now women will have to look elsewhere for care. The new six-week abortion ban follows a 2022 state law that prohibited abortions after 15 weeks, which the Florida Supreme Court recently upheld, allowing the six-week restriction passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023 to take effect. Even with a 15-week prohibition in place, neighboring states imposed stricter regulations, and Florida became a crucial destination for those seeking abortion care. Under the new law, performing or participating in an abortion after six weeks gestation is now a felony in Florida. Exceptions are made for cases of rape, incest, and human trafficking up to 15 weeks, but requires women provide documentation such as medical reports or a police report filing. There are also exceptions for fatal fetal abnormalities, until the third trimester, and maternal health. Both require documentation and certification by two physicians of the “medical necessity” for termination of the pregnancy. In addition, a 2015 law in Florida mandates women abide by a 24-hour waiting period after visiting a doctor in person before an abortion can be allowed within the specified window. Amid the shifting landscape of reproductive rights since the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, and with Florida's restrictions in place, individuals seeking abortion services may now have to travel to states like North Carolina and Virginia, or even Washington, D.C. Several organizations like the Florida Access Network are preparing to assist patients with the financial and logistical burdens of out-of-state abortions.
Despite abortion opponents celebrating the 2023 law titled the “Heartbeat Protection Act,” the Florida Supreme Court also recently allowed a proposal to make reproductive freedoms a state constitutional right to remain on the November ballot. If approved by voters, Amendment 4 would allow women in Florida to obtain an abortion until fetal viability – around 24 weeks – "or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider." Florida Democrats have made the issue a priority ahead of the general election, with President Joe Biden visiting Tampa last week to advocate for abortion freedoms. Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Jacksonville on Wednesday – the day the law took effect – to denounce the “extreme” ban and encourage voters to approve Amendment 4.
In 2023, 84,052 abortions were performed in Florida, according to data from the state's Agency for Health Care Administration. The majority of abortions – 76,422 – occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy, which is up to 12 weeks.
Pro-Palestinian protests breakout on Florida university campuses
The pro-Palestinian protests escalating on college campuses nationwide have captured headlines this week as many of the student-led movements have brought violence and chaos to academic institutions. Echoing these continuing protests, pro-Palestinian rallies have found their way onto Florida universities across the state and tensions remain high. Nearly every major college campus in Florida, from the University of Florida to the University of South Florida and the University of North Florida, experienced erupting demonstrations on campus, some turning disruptive and violent in confrontation with law enforcement. Five people, including students, were arrested at Florida State University in Tallahassee this week. The University of South Florida in Tampa saw a similar scene, with ten arrests on Monday and Tuesday as police used tear gas to disperse crowds. The University of Florida also witnessed nine arrests, with the university administration issuing a stern warning: "We don't treat protesters like children...They broke the rules and will face the consequences." These protests are a response to Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza after Hamas, an Islamist militant group and political party in the Palestinian territory, launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory military action has resulted in more than 34,000 Palestinian deaths in the Gaza Strip, according to the Hamas health ministry.
Florida universities have stood in contrast to the movements on college campuses across the country that have often turned into chaotic scenes. They have been quick to quell protests when they get unruly and clear encampments erected on campus grounds. With graduations set to take place over the next couple weeks, Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida, sent a memo to Florida’s 12 university presidents, instructing institutions to ensure commencement ceremonies do not become disrupted by activists.”Our universities have the statutory tools necessary to prevent the spread of antisemitism currently invading higher education across our country,” Rodrigues wrote. “Commencement ceremonies are a time to recognize our graduates…they are not a platform for disruptive political activism..."
Governor Ron DeSantis has commended the handling of pro-Palestinian protests on Florida campuses, stating it was the "right way to go." He emphasized that while individuals have the right to express their views, commandeering university property and disrupting campus life crossed a line. DeSantis referenced incidents at Florida State University (FSU), University of Florida (UF), and University of South Florida (USF), where arrests were made as protests began to defy the institution’s rules and regulations. He applauded these universities for imposing consequences on protesters who violate rules, contrasting it with what he deemed as leniency at other institutions. “In Florida, if you are violating appropriate conduct — especially if you are warned — you can be expelled,” Gov. DeSantis said.
DeSantis signs wide-ranging bill that bans lab-grown meat
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping 81-page agriculture bill, SB 1084, at a news conference in Hardee County, aiming to prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat in Florida. Surrounded by cattle ranchers near Wauchula, DeSantis emphasized the legislation as necessary protection against perceived threats to meat production and farmers’ livelihoods. He accused ideological agendas and climate activists of attempting to eliminate meat production, expressing his commitment to safeguarding traditional agricultural practices against so-called “elite” influences. SB 1084, effective on July 1, also preempts local regulation of electric vehicle charging stations, authorizes Class “G” licensees such as armed security officers to qualify for multiple calibers of firearms in one requalification class, and designates 4-H or Future Farmers of America activities as excused absences from school. Additionally, DeSantis presented a $6 million check to Hardee County for industrial site development from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.
Tampa Bay ranks among the worst in Florida for child abuse
According to Champions for Children, a Tampa-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, Tampa Bay is among the worst areas in Florida for such incidents. The organization says Hillsborough and Pinellas County have some of the highest rates for child abuse and neglect within the state, with 88 cases reported between the two counties daily. Half of these cases reported to the hotline involve children five years and younger. As Champions for Children is leading efforts to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect in the local community, they remain focused on building strong families as the primary way to safeguard vulnerable kids. The nonprofit offers support services through its Parent Warm Line, ensuring families have access to resources and assistance needed to effectively raise and care for their children.
Port Canaveral breaks passenger records
Central Florida’s cruise port continues to shatter records, with March welcoming nearly 800,000 passengers, following December’s 734,000. On track to surpass last year's numbers by half a million, port officials anticipate a stellar fiscal year ending in October. Memories of the 16-month COVID-19 shutdown are well in the past as the cruise industry booms. Capt. John Murray, the port’s CEO, heralds plans for expansion and new ship orders, declaring the industry at 110% pre-pandemic strength. Port Canaveral will welcome two new cruise lines, Princess and Celebrity, in November and December 2024, respectively, and is currently constructing a new cruise terminal that will open ahead of the 2026 season. In October, 3,000 new parking spaces will be added to accommodate demand among out-of-state visitors.
The Florida Holocaust Museum undergoes $20M expansion during rise in threats
The Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg is embarking on one of its most extensive development endeavors to date, coming amid a surge in antisemitism that has resulted in the museum and staff facing a sharp uptick in threats and expressions of hate. The heightened danger and increased need for security are largely driving the $20 million expansion project that will deliver a new entrance with enhanced security features such as ballistic glass and advanced surveillance. The capital improvements will also include new exhibit space to display the museum’s 22,000 artifacts, a second-story outdoor balcony, and an interactive theater that utilizes AI and will allow visitors to ask virtual holocaust survivors questions. The new spaces will also display the permanent collection belonging to Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel, including his Nobel prize, photographs, unfinished manuscripts, letters from world leaders, artwork, and the effects from his personal office. The expansion is being paid for through a combination of public and private funding, including $6.5 million from the state. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Tampa Bay Rays unveil new City Connect uniforms
The Tampa Bay Rays officially unveiled their new City Connect uniforms, "Grit and Glow," on Monday at Tropicana Field. For more than a decade, the Rays have embraced their unique identity, challenging norms and celebrating individuality. Now, the team’s latest alternative uniforms will capture that spirit. Inspired by St. Petersburg's underground culture, creative spaces, and skateboard scene, the uniforms reflect the energy of area streets. Rather than focusing on typical features like its beaches, the team sought to capture the essence of places like Central Avenue in St. Petersburg and Ybor City in Tampa. The vibrant counterculture and street art that thrives in the Tampa Bay area influenced the bold look and bright colors. MLB introduced the City Connect program in 2021 as a way for teams to forge stronger bonds with their communities by celebrating its unique character, history, and culture through innovative uniform design. The Rays will debut their new attire this weekend against the Mets on May 3, followed by Saturday home games at Tropicana Field and select away games in Atlanta and St. Louis.
Of note, the jerseys will feature the words “Tampa Bay” for the first time since 2007, before rebranding away from the “Tampa Bay Devil Rays.”
Former Central Florida mansion belonging to bin Laden family gets demolished
The former Central Florida mansion belonging to the infamous bin Laden family is undergoing demolition to make way for a 242-unit apartment complex at the site. Located on West Colonial Drive in the small town of Oakland, near Clermont, the historic home was once owned by Khalil bin Laden, brother of Osama bin Laden and one of his more than 50 siblings. The historic mansion was built in the 1920s and was first owned by a founding inventor of Jell-O. It then passed through various hands until Khalil bin Laden purchased the 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom mansion on Johns Lake in 1980 for $1.6 million as a gift for his wife. The bin Laden’s owned it until the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001. Reports indicate the family was at the home on 9/11 until they were escorted on a chartered flight and departed the United States days later. The apartment complex, featuring two three-story buildings, is set to commence construction in 2025.
Clearwater native to compete in 2024 Summer Olympics
Clearwater native Noah Lyons secured a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics, where he will represent Team USA in windsurfing. Describing the sport as his lifelong passion, Lyons currently trains at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center with intense preparation that burns an estimated 800 to 1,100 calories while on the water. Lyons hopes his Olympic journey to Paris shines a light on Clearwater as he hopes his community will be a training destination for future Olympic athletes.
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