Florida lithium-ion safety measure championed by News 6 heads to Gov. DeSantis
The Florida Legislature passed a final version of a bill that would allow the state fire marshal to create new rules regarding the storage of lithium-ion batteries, something a News 6 investigation showed is sorely needed in the state.
Trump could get money for legal bills from state of Florida if bill became law
A bill in the Florida Senate would create a grant program to pay for the legal bills of โvictims of political discriminationโ who are running for president. Supporters in particular say the bill would help former President Donald Trump.
News 6 investigation prompts lawmakers to consider lithium-ion battery storage rules
After a News 6 investigation uncovered there are no state regulations for commercially storing lithium-ion batteries, News 6 reached out to every state representative and senator in Central Florida to see if new rules can be created.
Floridaโs volatile insurance industry prepares for Idalia
As Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to grow into a hurricane while heading towards Florida, homeowners whoโve experienced skyrocketing property insurance premiums or have been forced to change insurance carriers over the past year may be concerned about the stormโs impact.
โThe Bud Light of insurance:โ Florida CFO threatens investigation of Farmers Insurance amid exit
โThe more we learn about Farmers Insurance, the more itโs clear its leadership doesnโt know what theyโre doing," Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis said. "While theyโre bad at helping people, theyโre good at virtue signaling.โ
Gov. Ron DeSantis calls to permanently ban COVID-19 restrictions in Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced a package of proposals Tuesday to make permanent bans on COVID-19-related restrictions in Florida, from mask requirements to medical professionalsโ ability to disagree with those COVID-19 restrictions.
DeSantis issues state of emergency in Bay County; wildfires burn more than 1,400 acres, FEMA says
The governor issued Executive Order 22-54 to declare a state of emergency in Bay County after the wildfires engulfed eight homes and led to the evacuation of thousands more, with weather conditions expected to maintain a moderate drought in the area for at least the next three days, according to the order.
1 in 5 Floridians have unclaimed property, are you one of them?
ORLANDO, Fla. โ One in five Sunshine State residents have unclaimed property, according to the Florida Department of Financial Services. Officials said more than $27 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians in February. CFO Jimmy Patronis said more than $349 million in unclaimed property has been returned since March 2020. [TRENDING: Video: Arrest of Naked Cowboy at Bike Week | 36,000 Fla. Republicans leave GOP | Man rescued 135 miles off Fla. coast]AdThe state released the most common types of unclaimed property: dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, uncashed checks, deposits, credit card balances and refunds. More than $4.8 million was returned to people in the Orlando area in February.
Florida CFO advocates for business protections on restaurant tour
Floridaโs CFO Jimmy Patronis, stopped in Central Florida Wednesday for his Rally at the Restaurant Tour. โWe must provide our small business owners the confidence to be able to re-open without the fear of litigation,โ said Patronis. Patronis, surrounded by legislators and business owners, said in the midst of a pandemic, heโd like to see Tallahassee pass liability protections for Florida businesses. Itโs something business owners agree is a protection thatโs needed. โLegislation is extremely important so that our small businesses can stay in business and continue to thrive whenever we get beyond this,โ said business owner, Lauren Miller.
Orlando area holds more than $359 million in unclaimed property
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Floridaโs top financial official is on a treasure hunt to find the owners of millions of dollars worth of unclaimed property. Jimmy Patronis, the stateโs chief financial officer, announced Monday that the Orlando area currently has more than $359 million in unclaimed funds. Overall, Florida has $2 billion in unclaimed property. According to his office, one in five Floridians has unclaimed property. Patronis said to keep up with this monthโs Holiday Money Hunt, follow the hashtag #FLHolidayMoneyHunt on Twitter.
Pardon blocked for felonsโ rights leader
DeSantis and Patronis on Wednesday blocked Meadeโs request for a pardon, with DeSantis saying the panel should take the issue โunder advisementโ until it can gather more information. The stateโs labyrinthine and years-long clemency process prompted Meade and other advocates to initiate the constitutional amendment, which enabled Meade to cast a ballot in last monthโs primary elections. Meade said his focus is on getting his rights restored in Florida, as a pardon would restore rights such as being able to serve on juries and have firearms. Critics have condemned the stateโs clemency process as a remnant of Jim Crow-era laws designed to keep Black people from voting. The number is a stark contrast to more than 155,000 felons who had their rights restored under an โautomaticโ process initiated by Scottโs predecessor, former Gov.
Furloughed Epcot worker waiting for unemployment benefits living on canned vegetables, help from friends
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Dan Crowderโs wait for unemployment benefits has turned into a 8-week test of endurance as the furloughed Disney worker waits for his first check from the Florida Department of Employment Opportunity. By April 19, an estimated 43,000 Disney World employees were out of work with health benefits still covered by the entertainment giant. Disney employees furloughed due to closures were automatically enrolled in Floridaโs unemployment system known as CONNECT. Crowderโs wait for benefits seems to reflect the frustration hundreds of people have reported their benefits are โpendingโ without explanation. If you would like to help Dan Crowder or you have an unemployment issue email us at makeendsmeet@wkmg.com.