Florida Condo Owners Face Financial Crisis & Women Overwhelmingly Support Abortion Protections
September 5, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Florida Condo Owners Face Financial Crisis as New Safety Laws Take Effect
Florida’s condos are in crisis as new safety regulations, enacted after the 2021 deadly Surfside disaster, could leave many homeowners unable to afford their residences due to hefty assessments and increasing fees. By January 1, 2025, condominium associations in Florida must inspect their buildings and secure adequate funds for essential repairs, potentially costing millions. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) has declined calls to hold a special legislative session to address the unintended consequences of these laws before state lawmakers convene next March, noting misunderstandings around the legislation. The two-year-old regulations are designed to prevent another structural engineering failure similar to Surfside’s Champlain Towers collapse, requiring condo boards from deferring significant repairs or underfunding reserves. Condominium associations in buildings taller than three stories must assess their reserves and determine adequate maintenance funding–buildings over 30 years old will also need structural inspections. As deadlines loom, the required maintenance to bring condos up to standards could cost millions and many owners worry they’ll be priced out of their homes. Some are already facing six-figure special assessments to fund necessary repairs on top of already high insurance costs, making condo living increasingly unaffordable for many. This has contributed to a decline in Florida condo prices, a dramatic surge in listings year-over-year, and falling sales, according to Florida Realtors. There are worries about how seniors and low-income residents will manage these costs, with some advocating for state assistance such as loans to cover pricey special assessments.
Florida Women Overwhelmingly Support Nationwide Abortion Rights
A recent survey finds that 67% of young Florida women, including half of Republican women, support a nationwide right to abortion, according to health policy research and news organization KFF. The survey revealed that nearly one in five women aged between 18 and 49 in Florida say they have had an abortion, with near equal shares of women identifying as Republican or Democrats reporting that they have terminated a pregnancy. Further, 60% of the 512 female respondents polled fear they won't be able to access abortion even in medically necessary situations, and one-third are unsure where to find an abortion clinic or related information. The findings come as Florida voters prepare to decide on Amendment 4, a ballot initiative that would protect abortion rights in the state constitution, preventing lawmakers from banning the procedure before fetal viability. This measure requires a 60% majority to pass. Supporters argue that the amendment is necessary to protect women's health amid majority support, while opponents claim the ballot language is too vague and could allow abortions up until term. Despite existing restrictions, including the six-week state ban, misinformation persists, with many women unaware of the availability of abortion medication, which remains legal in Florida.
DeSantis Withdraws Controversial State Park Plan
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has distanced himself from a contentious plan to develop state parks, saying the state will "go back to the drawing board." The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) proposal to build golf courses, 350-room hotels, pickleball courts, and other amenities in state parks stirred widespread criticism from politicians, environmental groups, and residents. DeSantis claimed the plan was "half-baked" and leaked to a "left-wing group" without his approval. He assured that no green space would be taken away and indicated that the state would halt any further action on the plans for the remainder of the year. The governor's comments mark a reversal from his administration's initial defense of the plan. DeSantis also revealed that the nonprofit Folds of Honor, which had proposed a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park to raise funds for veterans' families, has since withdrawn its involvement due to the controversy. Meanwhile, the FDEP employee responsible for leaking information on the plan to the Tampa Bay Times has been fired.
Book Publishers Sue Florida Over Book Ban Law
A group of six major book publishers, including Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, and HarperCollins, filed a lawsuit last week against Florida education officials, challenging a 2023 law that heightens scrutiny of school library books. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, argues that the law unconstitutionally restricts free speech. Individual school board members in Orange and Volusia County school districts are also named in the legal filing. The publishers, along with authors and parents, claim that the law, HB 1069, forces the removal of books containing "sexual conduct" without considering their educational or artistic value. Critics argue that the law has led to the removal of hundreds of titles from Florida schools, including classics like “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens and "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank. Orange County Public Schools pulled 673 books from classrooms alone, per the Orlando Sentinel in December 2023. HB 1069 also requires school districts to remove book titles within five days of receiving an objection from a parent or resident, making the book unavailable until the issue is resolved. A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Education dismissed the lawsuit as a “stunt,” insisting that no books are banned in Florida, only materials deemed unsuitable for schools due to sexually explicit content. The lawsuit seeks to restore educators’ ability to provide students access to diverse viewpoints and evaluate books based on their full content, rather than removing them based on isolated objections.
Trump Opposes Florida Abortion Amendment
Former President Donald Trump announced he will vote against Florida's proposed Amendment 4 on the ballot this November, which aims to protect abortion access. Trump previously cited opposition to the state's six-week abortion ban, describing it as "too short" and advocating for a longer time frame for women to make decisions about their pregnancies. However, in an interview with Fox News last week, Trump criticized Democrats’ "radical" stances on abortion, claiming they advocate for abortions in the ninth month of pregnancy—a claim frequently made by conservatives but disputed by healthcare professionals and amendment supporters. They say late-term abortions are rare and often necessary due to fatal complications. The former president’s stance on Amendment 4 was quickly praised by anti-abortion groups, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. Passage of the measure by 60% of Florida voters would invalidate the state’s six-week ban, which Trump has referred to as a "terrible mistake” and previously suggested preference for an extension to 15 weeks.
Orlando International Airport Embarks on $3.7B Modernization Plan
Florida’s busiest airport is spending billions to renovate and modernize its aging terminals A and B. As part of this extensive upgrade, Orlando International Airport (MCO) will overhaul the North Terminal Complex to extend its life by 10 to 15 years. The project aims to expand capacity and improve passenger experience with updated interiors, new stores and restaurants, better seating, and enhanced restroom facilities. MCO previously opened the new, state-of-the-art Terminal C in September 2022, which was the largest expansion in the airport’s history, at a cost of $2.8 billion. The award-winning Terminal C utilizes advanced technology to expedite security checkpoints and baggage claim processes, sustainability features that earned it LEED certification, and large-scale multimedia installations that are immersive and interactive. The sweeping upgrades to the airport’s original A and B terminals aim to match Terminal C, albeit on a less transformational scale given the facility’s existing constraints like low ceilings and narrow passageways. Still, the Orlando Sentinel reports the North Terminal Complex refresh will cost about $1.7 billion. Terminals A and B handle the overwhelming majority of passengers to MCO, far exceeding capacity, but ongoing demand makes major demolition and reconstruction infeasible. Included in the hefty price tag are significant infrastructure issues, such as a $652 million upgrade to the baggage handling system and a $253 million replacement of the oldest shuttle trains. Additionally, a $2 billion consolidated rental car center is planned to alleviate traffic congestion and streamline operations. Despite the scale of these projects, the physical layout of the North Terminal Complex will largely remain the same. Renovations will begin in 2025, replacing the 1970s-era vibe with $235 million to modernize interior features. Most of MCO’s overhaul will be financed by revenue from fees and rent collected from airlines and other businesses operating on-site. The investment underscores Orlando International Airport’s commitment to maintaining its status as a premier gateway for tourists to Central Florida amid increasing demand and record passengers. Last year, the airport ranked as the seventh busiest in the nation, and in spring 2024, it recorded the busiest one-day travel day.
Florida State Representative Indicted on Forgery Charges
State Rep. Carolina Amesty (R-Windermere) has surrendered to authorities after being indicted by a grand jury on four forgery-related charges. Amesty, 29, faces two counts of forgery, one count of illegally notarizing her own signature, and one count of falsely certifying a signature as a notary. These charges, all third-degree felonies, could lead to up to five years in prison per count. The charges stem from allegations that Amesty improperly notarized documents while working at Central Christian University, a private school founded by her father. Amesty’s campaign stated the charges are “based on misleading reports from a partisan newspaper about a notarization of an employee verification background report.” She intends to fight the charges in court and is “confident of her public vindication,” the statement added. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Office announced an investigation into the one-term Central Florida lawmaker following allegations she fraudulently notarized a document an employee did not recall signing. The State Attorney’s office said evidence shows Amesty knowingly notarized a document with a forged signature in her capacity as an administrator for Central Christian Academy. Critics are calling for Amesty's resignation, including Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried who referred to her as “corrupt.” Rep. Daniel Perez (R-Miami), the GOP speaker-designate, has no intention of removing his colleague from office as the charges are unrelated to Rep. Amesty’s official duties as a State Representative and has not been convicted. A Republican, Amesty is seeking reelection in a toss-up district that is one of the most closely contested legislative races in Florida against Democrat Leonard Spencer.
Tampa Electric Defends Plan to Shift Costs to Residents
Tampa Electric (TECO) is defending its plan to raise rates by $445 million over three years, despite criticism that it would shift millions in costs from large companies to residents and small businesses. The electric utility faced scrutiny during a week of hearings in Tallahassee over the proposed rate hike as the Public Service Commission, tasked with overseeing the company’s request, heard extensive testimony. revealing that the rate hikes would shift millions in costs from large companies to residents and small businesses. The plan, which allocates costs based on peak energy usage, would increase residents' bills by $70 million per year depending on how much electricity is used during extreme weather. Tampa Electric claims it’s necessary to cover costs for projects like solar farms, a power plant on MacDill Air Force Base, and a new headquarters. They also defended a 2021 agreement that required changes to how it distributed costs with large industrial and commercial electricity users, such as Walmart. The latest proposal by Tampa Electric will benefit corporations by shielding them from higher increases while residential and small business customers will be left to shoulder these rate hikes. The power company is requesting a profit rate of 11.5%, which is the highest profit rate requested in the nation by a utility provider. This would cost customers an additional tens of millions more per year and if approved, it would be the highest earnings any utility in the nation would receive in the past 18 months. The case could end in a settlement agreement, but if not, the Public Service Commission will decide the case, with a final decision expected by the end of the year.
Duke Energy Customers to See Smaller Rate Hikes
The two million Duke Energy customers in Florida will face smaller rate hikes on their bills next year after state regulators approved a settlement that significantly reduced the company's original request. The Florida Public Service Commission praised the agreement, which emerged after months of intense negotiations between Duke Energy and various consumer and environmental groups. Initially, Duke sought an $820 million increase over three years, but the final deal settled on a $262 million increase, along with up to $141 million for new solar plants. The settlement includes provisions that will reduce the impact on residential customers, with a $7 monthly base rate increase starting in 2025. The deal also eliminates reconnection fees and prevents power disconnections on days with temperatures of 95 degrees or higher. Lower-income customers can request credits to reduce their bills, and Duke will expand energy efficiency programs. Despite the base rate hike, Duke expects customers to pay less in January 2025 due to the expiration of other charges.
Prominent Democratic Insider Donates $1M to DeSantis’ Fight Against Abortion, Marijuana
A Democratic political consultant has directed a $1 million donation to Gov. Ron DeSantis' political action committee working to oppose two key ballot amendments backed by the Florida Democratic Party. Pradeep “Rick” Asnani, chairman of Floridians for Economic Leadership, made the contribution supporting the governor’s efforts to combat citizen-driven pro-abortion and pro-marijuana amendments on the ballot this November. Asnani’s Democratic clients, which include notable elected officials and influential corporations, have raised concerns that their donations to a committee controlled by him may have been used for unintended purposes. The contribution is the largest single donation to DeSantis’ Florida Freedom Fund, which has raised $2.5 million to defeat the abortion and marijuana amendments. Meanwhile, Amendments 3 and 4 hold significant importance for Florida Democrats as they could drive voter turnout and their success is necessary to build momentum for their party which has faced recent electoral struggles. Failure to pass these initiatives could be demoralizing for Democratic voters. Asnani’s donation gives the DeSantis-led opposition more resources to campaign against the amendments through advertising, outreach, or other campaign activities. The move has created some tension within Democratic circles, but the amendments still appear to have broader financial support overall, with Amendment 3 having raised more than $71 million and Amendment 4 backed by over $47 million.
Trump Backs Florida's Recreational Pot Amendment
Contrasting with Gov. Ron DeSantis, former President Donald Trump has voiced support for Florida's Amendment 3, which seeks to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults aged 21 and older. Trump, a Florida voter, posted on social media that personal use of marijuana would be legalized in Florida through the amendment, emphasizing it would be implemented “whether people like it or not.” However, he emphasized the need for state laws to prohibit public use and expressed concern about laced marijuana. The former president’s support diverges from DeSantis' opposition to the amendment, which DeSantis claims could lead to public marijuana smoking and decreased quality of life. The Republican governor has backed the Vote No on 3 political committee fighting the initiative’s passage and has a close connection to him as the group is staffed with several allies and staffers, including DeSantis’ chief of staff serving on the team's board in his personal capacity. Meanwhile, Trump has previously hinted at his support for Amendment 3 during a press conference last month, highlighting the inefficiency of incarcerating individuals for minor marijuana offenses. Smart & Safe Florida, the group behind the amendment, has praised the former president’s stance. The amendment requires 60% voter support to pass in November.
Kamala Harris Allies Bring Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour to Florida
Stumping for reproductive rights, allies of Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off a national bus tour in former President Donald Trump’s backyard of Palm Beach County, criticizing his stance on abortion. The tour, which aims to make at least 50 stops in key states, comes as Trump has expressed his opposition to a proposed Florida ballot measure protecting abortion rights. Harris' supporters, including U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Weston), U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, accused Trump of hypocrisy and flip-flopping on reproductive rights. The bus tour seeks to mobilize voters and highlight the importance of protecting reproductive freedom, especially with Florida’s proposed Amendment 4 that would safeguard abortion access. Recent polling shows 58% of Floridians back the amendment, but 60% support is needed, and Democrats hope to energize voters on the issue of reproductive freedom which would also help the party’s down-ballot candidates.
Disney Faces Backlash, Reverses Decision in Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Walt Disney World Resort faces legal scrutiny following a tragic incident that left a family in mourning and may set significant legal precedents in its wake. In October 2023, Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan suffered a fatal allergic reaction after dining at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs with her family. Despite assurances from the restaurant staff that her meal would be allergen-free, Dr. Tangsuan collapsed and later died, with her cause of death determined as anaphylaxis due to dairy and nut exposure. In February 2024, her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, filed a $50,000 wrongful death lawsuit against Disney and Raglan Road. Initially, Disney denied liability and attempted to push the case to arbitration, citing a clause Piccolo signed in 2019 from a Disney+ trial agreement. The company further claimed that Piccolo had agreed to arbitration not only during his Disney+ trial but also when he signed up for a Disney account to buy park tickets. However, facing public backlash, Disney has since withdrawn its arbitration request, allowing the case to proceed in court. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro emphasized the company’s commitment to handling the case with sensitivity and expediting a resolution for the grieving family.
Luxury Cruise Line Sets Sail for Tampa Bay
Oceania Cruises will begin offering luxury voyages from Port Tampa Bay in 2026, becoming the sixth cruise line to operate from the port. Starting in February, the 670-passenger Insignia ship will embark on Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises, with itineraries ranging from seven to 20 nights. Destinations include Costa Maya, Mexico, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and Cartagena, Colombia. Oceania Cruises, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Lines, specializes in high-end global travel. Their offerings from Tampa will provide options for travelers seeking shorter regional cruises or extended journeys. Prices for these sailings start at $2,200 for a seven-night Caribbean trip and go up to $5,800 for a 20-night Panama Canal adventure. Port Tampa Bay now hosts six cruise lines, with the addition of Oceania joining Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Margaritaville at Sea. The port expects a continued rise in cruise activity, expecting a record 1.6 million passengers in fiscal year 2025.
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Offer 4 Months Free with Fun Card Deal
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are offering a limited-time deal on their 2025 Fun Cards, providing five months of free admission. The card, priced at $137.99, grants unlimited admission to the parks for the remainder of 2024 and all of 2025, excluding parking, which costs $32. A combo Fun Card for both parks is available for $188.99. Families can maximize savings by pairing the Fun Card with an Annual Pass for one member, which includes perks like free parking and discounts. Admission includes upcoming park events, including Busch Gardens’ Bourbon and BBQ food event, Halloween programming in the Sesame Street zone, and Christmas Town. SeaWorld’s lineup features Elmo’s Birthday Celebration, the Seven Seas Food Festival, and a Halloween Spooktacular.
Affordable Artist Housing Planned for St. Pete's Warehouse Arts District
The Warehouse Arts District Association plans to build 40-60 affordable live/work units for artists on its property in St. Petersburg. Half of the units on the property at 2275 Sixth Avenue South will have attached studios, providing sustainable housing for artists. The $15 million project requires rezoning from industrial to industrial mixed-use to allow residential spaces, which is expected to be approved this month.
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