House targets local emergency orders
As Florida has spent the past year combating COVID-19, the state House is considering a proposal that would restrict local government orders involving public-health emergencies — a measure that backs the power of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
By the numbers: Long-term care deaths by county
A state report Tuesday showed that Miami-Dade County has become the second county to have 1,000 deaths of long-term care residents and staff members because of COVID-19. Here is a list of counties that have had more than 300 long-term care deaths because of the virus:
— Palm Beach County: 1,029
— Miami-Dade County: 1,000
Bright Futures revamp put on hold
A controversial Senate proposal that would cut state-backed Bright Futures scholarships for students in degree programs that don’t “lead directly to employment” has been put on hold and is expected to undergo changes.
Alcohol ‘to go’ keeps moving forward
An alcohol “to go” bill motored through a second Senate committee Tuesday without opposition. The Commerce and Tourism Committee backed the proposal (SB 148), sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, which would allow restaurants to include alcoholic drinks or bottles as part of take-home meals.
Moody challenges federal immigration moves
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a federal lawsuit challenging immigration moves by President Joe Biden’s administration, contending that the decisions threaten public safety.
Panel supports making it harder to pass ballot measures
Continuing efforts to make it harder to change the Florida Constitution, a Senate panel Tuesday backed a controversial proposal that would require approval from two-thirds of voters for ballot measures to pass.
Fully vaccinated people can gather
People who have been fully vaccinated can gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people and not wear masks, the federal government said Monday.
Vaccinations to start for people 60 and older
After focusing for more than two months on vaccinating seniors against COVID-19, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday the state will authorize giving shots to people ages 60 and older.
Union battles brew in legislature
Debates are building in the Florida Legislature about union dues paid by teachers, law-enforcement officers and other public employees.
IG’s report injected into lawsuit over unemployment system
Plaintiffs in a potential class-action lawsuit about Florida’s troubled unemployment-compensation system are trying to use a new report by the state’s chief inspector general to bolster their case.