Wildfire threat grows as Florida drought gets steadily worse
State and federal officials say the threat of wildfires is growing in Florida over the coming weeks as more than half the state is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions likely to persist until rainy season resumes around mid-May.
Simpson take office as Floridaโs ag. commissioner, drops Friedโs concealed weapons lawsuit
After taking office this month, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said Friday the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has dropped a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in a dispute involving information about a concealed-weapons license applicant.
Talks swirl about possible gambling deal in Florida
Senate President Wilton Simpson, who has tried to nail down an agreement with the Seminoles, also met with pari-mutuel operators on Thursday. Cementing a perennially elusive deal remains a long shot, however, especially as Florida is set to receive billions of additional dollars in federal stimulus money. AdAfter meeting with the pari-mutuel operators, DeSantis indicated he is unlikely to look favorably on a deal that would harm them. AdSimpson said he and the pari-mutuel operators spoke in โgeneralitiesโ about a possible framework of a compact. Sprowls and Simpson are โhaving a holistic conversationโ about gambling in Florida, the speaker said.
Florida lawmakers gavel into session with key bills looming
The state Senate and House gaveled into session with members donning face masks on the floors of their respected chambers. Ron DeSantis said he would looking forward to working with lawmakers on the key issues facing their state. AdAlthough it was the first day of the session, lawmakers have been traveling to Tallahassee for weeks to begin committee hearings on the measures that could eventually make to the governorโs desk. While Republican lawmakers have signaled their support for the governor's initiatives, they will have their own priorities. โBy prioritizing Big Tech companies, social media โ that's not the priorities of the people of the state of the Florida.
Florida casts 29 Electoral College votes for President Donald Trump
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ Floridaโs 29 Electoral College votes were cast for President Donald Trump during a ceremony in the Senate chamber on Monday. Secretary of State Laurel Lee conducted the vote Monday after three electors were named to replace three who couldnโt attend the ceremony. That included Senate President Wilton Simpson. Trump won Florida with 51.2% of the vote in last monthโs election. The names of Floridaโs electors are submitted to the governor by each political party.
Florida considers banning all forms of distracted driving
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Florida could outlaw drivers from putting on makeup, using smartphones, reading or other activities that distract them on the road. The Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee unanimously approved a distracted driving bill Wednesday after hearing stories from people who have lost relatives in car crashes. Right now, it is illegal to text and drive in Florida, but drivers can only be ticketed if they are pulled over for another reason. The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Wilton Simpson, would make distracted driving a primary offense, meaning law enforcement wouldn't need another reason to ticket a driver. If enacted, Florida would ease into the law by creating a three-month period where law enforcement would only give warnings.
News 6 anchor Matt Austin testifies for distracted driving bill
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ The state House version of a new distracted driving bill had its first committee meeting Tuesday. The state Senate adaptation (SB 76) was approved around 4 p.m. Monday by the Senateโs Judiciary Committee. News 6 anchor Matt Austin has been one of the most outspoken proponents of the bipartisan bill. Austin told his story during a transportation and infrastructure subcommittee meeting Tuesday in Tallahassee. โThis whole crisis we have in our state right now of texting and driving wound up in my back seat,โ Austin said.
Florida Senate committee approves distracted driving bill
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ A state Senate committee has just approved the Senateโs version of a new distracted driving bill. Senate Bill 76 was approved around 4 p.m. Monday by the Senateโs Judiciary Committee. Floridians won't get a new distracted driving law yet as this is the third of four committee stops for the bill before it is voted on by the full Senate. Meanwhile, HB 107, the House version of the bill, will have its first committee meeting Tuesday. News 6 anchor Matt Austin will be live in Tallahassee on Tuesday evening starting at 4 p.m. to provide the latest on the committee meeting.
Driving Change: Florida lawmakers file 2 bills to curb distracted driving
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ Three months before the official start of the 2019 Florida legislative session, two state politicians are wasting no time trying to toughen up Floridaโs lax texting and driving law. Trilbyโs bill, SB 76, is dubbed the โFlorida Ban on Wireless Communications Devices While Driving Law.โSlosbergโs bill, HB 45, has a much simpler name: the โHands-Free Florida Law.โโThe No. Last year the Florida House passed its version of a tougher distracted driving bill but the Senate version stalled in the Senate Appropriations Committee, which was chaired by Republican State Sen. For the third year in a row, Slosberg has sponsored anti-texting and driving legislation. Georgia recently passed a similar hands-free-only bill that went into effect on July 1.