Judge blocks ban on transgender care for minors & Central Florida loses millions in state budget vetoes
June 20, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Federal judge blocks Florida’s ban on transgender care for adolescents
A federal district court has blocked Florida’s law banning medical care for transgender children, calling it "unconstitutional." District Judge Robert Hinkle stated, “Gender identity is real,” and ruled that the law violates equal protection rights. The 2023 law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, prohibits doctors from prescribing hormones or puberty blockers to minors. Judge Hinkle's order asserted that while the state can regulate medical treatments, it cannot outright deny transgender individuals access to safe and effective care routinely provided to others. In the 105-page order, Hinkle concurred with the plaintiff’s arguments that the law violated their constitutional rights, stating that restricting someone from conforming to their “gender identity rather than their natal sex lacks a legitimate state interest.” The ruling did not address the ban on gender-affirming surgery for minors. Simone Chriss of Southern Legal Counsel called the decision a victory for Florida. Gov. DeSantis' admin announced plans to appeal the ruling, declaring the court's decision as “erroneous” and claiming gender-affirming treatments lack scientific evidence.
Central Florida & Tampa Bay loses millions in vetoed projects
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $116.5 billion budget last week, touting a lower spending plan achieved in part by slashing nearly $1 billion in projects from the Legislature's approved budget. While Central Florida and Tampa Bay felt the sting, the cuts weren't as severe as in previous years, but the region lost out on millions. In Pinellas County, St. Petersburg lost $550,000 for shoreline revitalization, while Oldsmar lost $1 million for infrastructure renovation. Safety Harbor saw a combined $2 million cut for water main replacement and road projects. Tampa was able to secure $479,646 for Ybor City cameras, $2 million for Interbay Boulevard resurfacing, and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister secured $7.25 million toward a new helicopter. However, $1 million for Palmetto Beach flood protection was vetoed. The University of South Florida lost $3.9 million for opioid abuse reduction, and Pasco County lost out on $1.55 million for Zephyrhills’ septic-to-sewer conversion and $585,000 for Parkway Boulevard sidewalks. Of the at least 86 proposed projects in Central Florida vetoed by the governor, they included $2.5 million for a Wekiva-Ocala Greenway land acquisition, $2.25 for Southeastern University, $1 million for septic-to-sewer conversion in Seminole County, $1.225 million for the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and millions for local high schools and state colleges. Further cuts were a water project in Windermere at $2.4 million, nearly $600,000 for the Orlando Science Center’s Mobile Science Lab, $3 million for STEM programs at Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Central Florida’s instructional programs lost out on $1.5 million in the budget.
Cuba will seek to influence elections in Florida, per U.S. intelligence
The U.S. intelligence community believes Cuba will attempt to influence the 2024 U.S. elections, targeting state and local races in Florida. This assessment comes after Cuba was found to have conducted influence operations in the 2022 midterms, aimed at discrediting specific candidates in Florida. These efforts involved building relationships with critical U.S. media members and using social media networks to spread “derogatory content” targeting politicians viewed as hostile to Cuba. Although smaller in scale compared to foreign malign influence campaigns by Russia, China, and Iran, Cuba's actions remain a concern, especially as they become increasingly complex through AI-driven campaigns. Last year, hundreds of fake Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to the Cuban government were terminated after posting propaganda and attacking critics of the island nation. This included promoting Russian disinformation about the war in Ukraine.
St. Petersburg City Council votes on Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium deal
The St. Petersburg City Council held its first formal vote on the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium proposal, tentatively approving key measures last Thursday, with a second and final vote scheduled for July 11. Council members backed a development agreement for a new stadium and the future Historic Gas Plant District in a 5-3 vote. The provisional approval outlines the 30-year term of the deal, including agreement to zoning changes, affordable housing goals, and geographic boundaries for 24 acres of the project. The Intown Redevelopment Area’s lifespan was also extended to utilize tax increment financing to allocate funds from future tax revenue increases to support the redevelopment project. Some council members expressed concerns about voting on draft documents. St. Petersburg plans to contribute $212.5 million for the stadium and $130 million for related infrastructure in the Historic Gas Plant District.
Abortion amendment raises $12M in two months
Backers of a proposed Florida constitutional amendment to protect abortion access have raised over $12 million in the two months since the Florida Supreme Court approved the amendment for the November ballot. From April to May, the campaign received $12,280,649 from over 16,000 donations. This surge in funding, including nearly half a million dollars in in-kind donations, brings the total raised by the group to approximately $32 million. Major contributions came from organizations like the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood, The Fairness Project, and the nonprofit Tides Foundation. The amendment aims to counter Florida’s six-week abortion ban.
Appeals court upholds ruling shielding DeSantis' administration from releasing records
An appeals court has upheld a judge's decision to shield Gov. DeSantis' administration from releasing records related to influential conservatives involved in discussions about appointing Florida Supreme Court justices. Previously, a Leon County Circuit Court rejected a public records request filed by an unidentified individual, citing the governor’s “executive privilege” that prevented the release of certain documents. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeals upheld the lower court's ruling but declined to weigh in on the broader, more significant issue of executive privilege afforded to the governor that supersedes Florida's expansive public records law. The records request stemmed from an interview in August 2022, in which DeSantis stated that “six or seven pretty big legal conservative heavyweights” had assisted with suggesting candidates for appointment to the Florida Supreme Court. but does not address the issue of executive privilege.
DeSantis’ budget cuts could impact legislative staffing
In response to Gov. Ron DeSantis' $56 million budget cut for legislative support services, Florida's House and Senate leaders rushed to assure around 200 affected legislative workers that their jobs are secure. The vetoes of $28.3 million each from the Senate and House’s respective budgets affect the Office of Economic & Demographic Research, the Old Capitol Museum, joint legislative committees, the Florida Channel, and lobbyist registration services. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner stated in a joint memo that they are working to resolve the issue and may tap into the Legislature's “rainy day reserve funds” to bridge the gap temporarily. The budget cuts came as DeSantis signed the $116.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including nearly $1 billion in line-item vetoes.
DeSantis signs Condo 3.0 bill, owners threaten to sue
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill dubbed "Condo 3.0" on Friday, aiming to reform Florida's condominium laws in the wake of the 2021 collapse of Champlain Towers in Surfside. The new law mandates education for community association board members, requires more condos to set up member web pages, prevents boards from stifling dissent through defamation lawsuits, and enhances state investigative powers. Condo owners previously struggled to get the state to address corruption, wrongdoing, and unfair governance complaints against associations. Now, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) can investigate these issues more effectively. But, controversially, the 154-page bill includes provisions giving developers more control over common areas in mixed-use buildings. This shift has angered many unit owners who argue it diminishes their rights and benefits developers, and some are threatening to sue.
Florida Democrats aim to gain seats in state Legislature by fielding candidates in every race
Democrats have fielded candidates for all 140 legislative seats in Florida for the first time since losing power nearly 30 years ago. Despite low expectations of regaining control of the state Legislature, Democratic leaders’ goal is to maintain their current seats and potentially break out of their superminority status in both chambers. Two key ballot initiatives – one for recreational marijuana and another to remove the state's six-week abortion ban – could provide a much-needed boost for the party. Republican enthusiasm remains strong, with state Democrats maintaining a nearly 1-million registered voter deficit than the GOP. Further, there will be more Republican primaries scheduled on August 20 than Democratic ones.
Orange County advances rural land protection measure for November ballot
Orange County commissioners have advanced a proposed ordinance and ballot amendment to allow voters to decide on a rural land protection measure. This measure aims to protect rural lands by regulating where new commercial and residential developments would be permitted in the county. The amendment would require a majority-plus-one vote for changes that proponents argue will restrict developers from construction outside existing urban areas. There are additional concerns that infrastructure in rural areas such as reclaimed water is unable to support proposed developments due to already being at capacity. A public hearing and vote are expected on July 30. If approved, the amendment must be submitted to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections by August 20 to appear on the November ballot. Seminole County already has rural boundaries in place and is also seeking to add majority-plus-one requirements to the upcoming ballot.
Boeing to open new engineering facility in Daytona Beach
Boeing will open a new engineering facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Research Park in Daytona Beach. The 65,000-square-foot facility, which includes a 40,000-square-foot hangar, is expected to create approximately 400 high-paying engineering jobs over the next few years. The new site will focus on engineering design, research, development, and prototyping capabilities for the company's defense and government portfolios, including military aircraft programs and advanced technology. Boeing's partnership with Embry-Riddle will foster collaboration between students and industry experts, paving the way for innovation and talent recruitment in the aerospace sector. The company will also introduce the DreamLearners Program in Volusia County Schools this fall, offering hands-on STEM education and aerospace career guidance. The facility began construction in 2022 and is scheduled to open in late fall.
DeSantis accepts $350M in federal funds for energy efficiency
Gov. DeSantis has accepted nearly $350 million in federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to enhance energy efficiency for residents. Last year, DeSantis vetoed similar funds from the federal government. This initiative offers rebates for low- to moderate-income households on energy-efficient appliances and home weatherization. This funding, part of an $8.8 billion federal package, aims to help families reduce energy bills amid increasing energy costs. Florida faces some of the highest energy expenses in the country, with some regions experiencing up to a 64% increase in electricity bills over the past few years.
New clinic at Port Tampa Bay expands healthcare access for seafarers
A new clinic at Port Tampa Bay aims to improve healthcare access for seafarers, who often avoid medical treatment due to employment fears. The University of South Florida College of Nursing opened the first-of-its-kind facility at a port, offering preventive care, physicals, drug screening, vaccinations, and treatment for various conditions. Seafarers, many from countries like the Philippines and India, handle 90% of the world’s cargo, facing significant health risks, and often lack medical support. The clinic's services are priced affordably, with basic evaluations like blood pressure checks expected to be provided for free. This initiative addresses a critical need, as seafarers play a vital role in global trade. The clinic will operate initially three days a week, with plans to expand hours.
Meet Eve: St. Petersburg’s newest restaurant concept coming soon
Benson Hospitality Group, known for St. Petersburg's Fortu, is launching a new Mediterranean restaurant, Eve, at the upcoming Galaxy Hotel in downtown St. Pete. The 5,600-square-foot restaurant will feature an indoor/outdoor subterranean design, seating 174 people, with renderings showcasing a natural rock and wood decor inspired by New York and Los Angeles eateries. Eve is set to open this winter or early next year, depending on construction progress. The restaurant will be located at 110 Third Ave. N.
Orlando Pulse Memorial moves forward after setbacks
Eight years after the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting, survivors and victims' families anticipate a permanent memorial in Orlando. The original vision for a $45 million memorial and museum faced setbacks due to fundraising challenges and leadership changes within the onePulse Foundation, which has since disbanded. Orlando officials purchased the nightclub property last year for $2 million, spearheading new plans for a smaller memorial at the site. An advisory board, comprised of survivors, family members, and city representatives, has been formed to guide the design process. The memorial near downtown aims to be completed by 2028.
Breeze Airways resumes 'Disney to Disney' flights
Low-cost carrier Breeze Airways has announced the resumption of its popular nonstop flights between John Wayne Airport and Orlando International Airport, connecting Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The flights will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays throughout the summer season, with one-way tickets priced at $89. Breeze CEO and founder David Neeleman said the ‘Disney to Disney’ flight is one of the airline’s most popular routes.
Former Orlando Congressman runs for state Senate
Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson has filed to run for Florida's state Senate District 25 after withdrawing from the U.S. Senate race, a seat held by Republican Senator Rick Scott. Grayson aims to represent Florida's Senate District 25, which encompasses Osceola County and part of Orange County. The seat is currently open due to term limits faced by Sen. Victor Torres (D-Orlando). Grayson previously served in the U.S. House from 2009 to 2011 and from 2013 to 2017, representing portions of Orlando, Kissimmee, Saint Cloud, Davenport, and Haines City.
Disney set to open Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Disney World will open Tiana's Bayou Adventure to the public on June 28 at Magic Kingdom, reimagining Splash Mountain with a cast of familiar and new characters from the "Princess and the Frog." The musical adventure promises to immerse visitors in the rich culture and whimsical charm of New Orleans, taking riders through the misty bayous of Louisana on board an 8-seat log flume before concluding with a 50-foot plunge. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure includes original voice actors and music from the movie and a new soundtrack by New Orleans artists PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard. Disneyland's version is expected to open later in 2024.
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