Gov. DeSantis deprioritizes climate change efforts & medical marijuana companies push for recreational use
May 23, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Gov. DeSantis deprioritizes climate change efforts
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill last week that reshapes the state’s approach to energy and climate change priorities. The legislation, which takes effect on July 1, bans offshore wind turbines in state waters, promotes the expansion of natural gas, and eliminates mention of “climate” from several state statutes. This marks a shift in Florida's energy goals away from reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. Critics argue that the bill ignores the reality of climate change threats in Florida, including rising sea levels, extreme heat, flooding, and intensifying storms. DeSantis, however, defends it as a “common-sense approach to energy policy” that rejects the “radical green” agenda. In addition, the bill includes measures to protect gas appliances against bans and reduces regulation on gas pipelines. Natural gas is the dominant energy source for electric generation in the state, making up approximately 74% of Florida’s total electricity net generation in 2022, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The legislation also eliminates requirements for government conferences to be held at so-called “green lodging” certified venues and ends a policy that purchases of new state vehicles prioritize fuel efficiency. Environmental advocates express concern, accusing the governor and state Legislature of prioritizing fossil fuel interests over the well-being of Floridians. The measure also initiates a study on small nuclear reactor technology, expands the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles, and strengthens electric grid security.
Medical marijuana companies push for legalization of recreational use
As the Florida Supreme Court clears the way for a recreational marijuana amendment on the November ballot, medical marijuana companies are lobbying vigorously for recreational pot legalization as the growth of the medical market stagnates. The proposed Amendment 3 would allow individuals 21 and older “to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products” for non-medical consumption, potentially transforming Florida into one of the largest legal cannabis markets worldwide. But cannabis dispensaries are facing a decline in new patients, and they are banking on Amendment 3 to expand their customer base. Trulieve, Florida’s largest provider of medical marijuana, has poured nearly $50 million into efforts to support the measure, signifying the high stakes involved in its passage. Currently, companies like Trulieve, Müv, Ayr Cannabis Dispensary, and Curaleaf are limited to selling their products to the nearly 900,000 Florida residents who have medical marijuana cards. An expansion to anyone of legal age could mark booming growth for the industry, especially with tens of millions of annual tourists. The number of registered medical marijuana patients in the state has grown by roughly 13,700 so far in 2024 – much less than the 38,000+ new patients added during the same period in 2023. Sales have also slumped quarter to quarter from the peaks experienced in spring 2023. As access to recreational marijuana products would expand under the referendum’s passage, a monopolistic hold would remain on the industry due to state law. Florida mandates businesses that sell marijuana to also grow, process, and cultivate the product – costly operations that require significant investment.
Hillsborough County voters face two tax referendums this election
As schools across Florida face financial constraints, many districts are turning to local communities for support. Several counties, including Hillsborough and Pinellas, are placing tax referendums on the November ballot, hoping to increase sales or property taxes to bolster their resources. Officials argue that these additional taxes are necessary to maintain the quality of education and provide competitive teacher salaries, but in Hillsborough County, voters face two separate tax referendums. First, voter approval will be sought to extend a half-cent sales tax that has funded various infrastructure projects for almost three decades such as fire stations, libraries, parks, court buildings, and even Raymond James Stadium, with 5% of the revenue allocated to school construction. In addition, Hillsborough County Schools are advocating for a separate property tax referendum to increase wages for school employees. Concerns are that voters may perceive two tax referendums on the same ballot as "double dipping" and reject both proposals. The potential perceived overlap in funding purposes, such as school construction and teacher pay, has led to worries that voters may feel overwhelmed or resistant to the additional financial burdens by either approving one of the measures or rejecting both.
However, there is precedent for the successful passage of two tax referendums on the same ballot. In 2018, Hillsborough voters approved a half-cent sales surtax to fund facility infrastructure needs for schools and a transportation tax measure. As the November election approaches, both the county and the school district will have to work together in communicating the importance, potential benefits, and differences between the tax referendums in order to secure the support of the electorate. Fortunately, for the school district, investment in teachers, education initiatives, and school infrastructure remains popular across Florida.
Pinellas School Board approves tax referendum, doubling previous tax rate
The Pinellas County School Board unanimously approved a November tax referendum to renew a special property tax, doubling the rate of the past 20 years. If passed, the measure would increase the property tax on Pinellas County residents from one-half mill to one mill, rising to $1 per $1,000 of taxable value or $100 per $100,000 in property values. According to Rocket Homes, the median sold price of a home in Pinellas County was $403,637 in April 2024, meaning the average new homeowner would pay $403 in additional property taxes under the measure. The extra revenue would boost funding for arts and technology programs as well as salaries for teachers and support staff such as cafeteria workers, classroom aides, and bus drivers. The proposal will advance to county commissioners to decide on placing the referendum question on the November ballot. The one mil ad valorem tax increase would become effective on July 1, 2025, until June 30, 2029. Board members emphasized the tax would help to attract and retain employees amid the rising cost of living and increased competition from neighboring school districts with local-option taxes. nearly $3,000 in extra pay annually. Board member Lisa Cane stressed the rising cost of living in Pinellas County and the challenge of attracting and retaining employees.
Pinellas County sets record for tourist tax collection
The waterfront county on Florida’s west coast collected a record-breaking $14.6 million in tourist taxes in March – the highest ever for a single month. The milestone exceeded the previous one-month record set in March 2023 by over $1 million and comes after a slower fall and winter season for Pinellas County. The total adds to the $200 million in tourist tax reserves as the county eyes costly expenditures, including beach renourishment efforts and a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark in downtown St. Petersburg, which will be partly funded by the Pinellas tourist tax fund. The 2023 fiscal year saw the most revenue for the tourist tax fund, but the initial months in 2024 lagged due to dipping hotel and vacation rental occupancy rates. The county's tourism bureau, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, has set a revenue target of $101 million this year, focusing on marketing campaigns that attract day-trippers from neighboring counties and Latin American tourists.
Florida’s ban on strippers under 21 faces legal challenge
Following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent approval of a bill passed by the Legislature that bans strippers under 21 from performing in Florida's adult entertainment venues, a federal appeals court will review a similar Jacksonville ordinance. On June 6, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments on whether Jacksonville’s age restriction violates First Amendment rights. A U.S. District Court previously upheld Jacksonville’s ban on exotic dancers under 21 from performing, citing its intent to combat human trafficking. Attorneys representing club owners and dancers contest the ordinance, asserting that the city’s focus on exotic dancer performers while excluding other vulnerable young adults, lacks evidence of the hypothesized crime of human trafficking. The federal appeals court’s decision in this case would impact the statewide restriction that becomes effective July 1, making it a second-degree felony to employ or allow anyone under 21 to perform in such venues.
Zephyrhills likely to extend moratorium on development amid strain on water supply
The City of Zephyrhills is expected to extend its moratorium on new development for another year as it continues negotiations with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to increase its public water supply. Last year’s decision to pause new development was made in response to the city nearing its water use limits mandated by state water management officials. Rapid growth in recent years that has attracted more development has created strain on the city’s public water supply, exceeding 3.3 million gallons of water per day as permitted by SWFWMD. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Zephyrhills, now Pasco County’s largest city, surged 21.5% from 2020 to 2023. The City has been negotiating with water officials for an increase in its permitted water pumping cap to 4.48 million gallons. Complicating matters is a proposed agreement between the City and a local developer planning to build a major housing project on 900 acres of land outside city limits. The landowner has a daily water draw capacity of nearly 800,000 gallons from wells on the property and City officials want to take over the additional water pumping supply while providing municipal water to the site instead. SWFWMD has concerns about the environmental impact of that deal and requests adding water monitoring locations to evaluate possible overpumping before signing off on any increase to Zephyrhills water use permit. However, despite the prospect of securing a single water pumping agreement with an adjacent developer, concerns remain on the long-term plan to identify supplemental water sources and expand supply. For now, as negotiations between SWFWMD and the local developer continue, the one-year moratorium on new development and annexations is deemed necessary to balance growth and manage resources.
Universal Orlando to open DreamWorks Land on June 14
Universal Orlando has shared new details about DreamWorks Land, set to open on June 14, replacing Woody Woodpecker's KidZone after nearly 25 years. In interviews and behind-the-scenes videos, Universal Creative's Dean Orion and DreamWorks Animation's Michael Vollman highlighted the importance of family-friendly play areas and interactivity in the new land. DreamWorks Land will feature attractions based on popular franchises like Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. Visitors can enjoy Ogre-friendly treats at Swamp Snacks, ride the Caterbus Trollercoaster, and participate in Po's Kung Fu Training Camp. DreamWorks Land promises an immersive experience for both kids and adults, incorporating digital screens, physical elements, interactive water features, and beloved franchise characters.
550-acre wildfire covers Central Florida in smoke
A 550-acre wildfire in Volusia County is generating a significant smoke plume across Central Florida, causing visibility issues for drivers on Interstate 95. The "Sandy Drain Fire" is currently 95% contained, with no immediate threat to nearby structures. Crews continue to monitor the situation as smoky conditions persist in northern Brevard County, leading to slower traffic along the impacted highway sections.
Judge blocks Florida law restricting non-citizens from assisting in voter registration
A federal judge has permanently blocked a provision of a 2023 Florida elections law that restricted non-U.S. citizens from collecting or handling voter registration applications. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a permanent injunction, citing the law's violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Groups such as the Hispanic Federation, Poder Latinx, and individual plaintiffs challenged the law in May 2023 after its approval by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature. DeSantis and lawmakers defended the measure as necessary to ensure election integrity and crackdown on voter fraud. Walker emphasized the ban would cause irreparable harm by preventing plaintiffs from registering new voters based on their non-citizenship status. Critics argue that the legislation targets immigrant communities with large numbers of new citizens, disproportionately impacting voter registration efforts in these areas.
Hillsborough Commission votes to consider investing in Israeli bonds amid pro-Palestine protests
In a heated and divisive public hearing, the Hillsborough County Commission voted 6-1 to explore investing in Israeli government-backed bonds. The decision followed passionate dissent from the public, with dozens of individuals speaking out, largely expressing their opposition to the investment amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and allegations of human rights violations. Commissioner Michael Owen proposed the idea after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and stood firm in his support during last week’s meeting. The vote would amend existing county policy on the investment of reserve funds to allow for the possibility of investing in Israeli bonds but does not mandate it. Some proponents emphasized the stability of Israeli bonds.
Tampa City Council forms Race Reconciliation Committee to address racial inequities
The Tampa City Council has taken a significant step toward addressing racial inequities and past segregation practices by unanimously approving the formation of a 13-person Race Reconciliation Committee. Comprising of community leaders and experts, the committee will be tasked with developing policy recommendations that bridge the economic and racial divides within Florida’s third-largest city, including proposals aimed at confronting “institutions of slavery and the subsequent systemic discrimination.” Members will examine five key areas: affordable housing, development, youth empowerment, reintegration support from prison, and ignored historic injustices. Council members and six community organizations such as the Hillsborough NAACP and Urban League were each permitted one appointee on the committee. The Race Reconciliation Council’s establishment comes more than three years after the council passed a resolution formally apologizing for the city's racist history.
Hillsborough County closes 5 schools as student enrollment dips
This summer, Hillsborough County schools will undergo a significant transformation as the district grapples with enrollment disparities caused by parents’ school choice. Over 2,000 students will be affected by a school district boundary redesign that aims to balance enrollment and will result in the closure of five schools after May 24 that are currently under-enrolled. The decision was made one year ago after a consultant study reflected greater school choice options led to enrollment imbalances, including a 41% drop over the past decade at the five schools closing their doors. Families are increasingly opting for magnet and charter schools, leaving traditional neighborhood schools struggling to maintain viable student numbers. Teacher shortages and shifting population demographics have also compounded issues. Now, the five schools facing closure must navigate the challenges of reassignment, with most of the students expected to transfer to nearby schools. While some families may choose school choice to avoid their children’s new assignments, Superintendent Van Ayres aims for district-wide utilization above 60% capacity. The former school buildings will empty out this summer and construction projects will begin during the 2024-25 school year to repurpose the spaces into community centers.
Aquatica Orlando introduces AquaGlow summer nights
Aquatica Orlando, the popular water park known for its thrilling slides and unique attractions, is set to launch AquaGlow, a series of vibrant neon-filled events throughout the summer after-hours. Starting on June 7 and running until August 10, AquaGlow will transform the park into a dazzling neon wonderland on select nights from 8 to 11 PM. Highlights of AquaGlow include the Electric Tides laser show, the transformation of the Roa’s Rapids lazy river ride into the electrifying Roa’s Rapids Amp’ed Up, and a park-wide foam party. Guests can also enjoy new neon-inspired food and drink offerings, such as light-up popcorn buckets, neon cupcakes, and glowing beverages. Tickets start at $49.99, with discounts available for Aquatica annual pass members.
Workers at Gideon’s Bakehouse demand change amidst allegations of poor conditions
Employees at the widely popular steampunk-style Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs are speaking out against alleged low pay, unsafe working conditions, and retaliation for voicing concerns, prompting plans for unionization. Organized under the anonymous name “the Ghosts of Gideon,” workers aired grievances, including lack of training, inadequate emergency procedures and ADA compliance, inefficient beverage preparation practices, and earning just $8.98 hourly, Florida's minimum wage for tipped employees. Additionally, they demand $400 bonuses per pay period to compensate for the wage drop caused by a no-tipping policy recently instituted. Allegations also include the firing of workers following a demand letter sent to management. Steve Lewis, the owner of Gideon’s Bakehouse, characterized the accusations as “either misleading or false” in an informal statement posted on Instagram, stating that management has talked to every employee since the concerns were made public to ensure their voices were heard. Lewis also disputed the health and safety violations, saying that Gideon’s fully complies with all such regulations.
Bar Rescue’s Jon Taffer brings new restaurant to Orlando
Jon Taffer, renowned hospitality expert and host of Paramount Network's "Bar Rescue," is set to open a new location of his full-service restaurant and bar concept, Taffer's Tavern, on Orlando's International Drive. This will be the first Florida location for the chain, which offers elevated comfort food, classic tavern fare, and signature drinks in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Orlando restaurant, located at Pointe Orlando, is scheduled to open this winter, joining existing locations in Alpharetta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., as well as upcoming openings in Gainesville, Florida, Las Vegas, and Savannah, Georgia. Taffer has starred in the reality television series “Bar Rescue” since it premiered in 2011, following the entrepreneur as he lends his expertise to help save struggling bars and nightclubs around the United States. He launched his latest business venture, Taffer’s Tavern, in October 2020.
Tech conference draws 1,000+ to St. Petersburg
On Wednesday, tech enthusiasts, moguls, founders, executives, and students, gathered for the poweredUP Tampa Bay Tech Festival at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Hosted by Tampa Bay Tech, this is the nonprofit's largest annual event, highlighting emerging technologies and cutting-edge innovations shaping the world. This year, the focus will be on artificial intelligence, with discussions and seminars on AI’s applicability across various sectors and leveraging the technology to deliver value for businesses. The one-day event will also examine technology's broader impact on industries like music and national defense. The festival expects around 1,500 attendees as Tampa Bay seeks to grow its reputation as a national tech hub, showcasing the region's unique contributions and innovations.
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