Florida lawmakers ended the 2020 legislative session by approving House Bill 1339 that authorizes local governments to approve affordable housing on any land zoned for residential, commercial or industrial use. Gov. Ron DeSantis would need to sign or veto the bill. Lawmakers could vote to override the veto. The bill introduced by Republican Rep. Clay…
In Florida we have a habit of cheering half measures and Johnny-come-lately actions from our public leaders. To wit: The Florida Legislature last week passed the first bill in a decade that acknowledges climate change – this in a state widely known as extraordinarily vulnerable to our altered climate. The bill will require that the…
Gainesville residents and visitors are a step closer to being able to navigate the streets on rented electric scooters. The City Commission voted on the first read of an ordinance regulating “dockless electric scooters” last week. The vote was to adopt the permit program that would allow the scooters, called “micromobility devices” by city officials,…
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, wants Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto a bill that would allow Floridians to legally buy fireworks for use three days a year. The animal rights group expressed concerns that the proposal approved by the Legislature last week “would endanger the state’s most vulnerable residents of many…
For 4-year-old Cadynce Nettles a Saturday morning walk in the park took on new meaning March 7 as the New Port Richey Public Library celebrated the opening of a permanent installation called StoryWalk at the James E. Grey Preserve. Her mom, Amy Garton, could barely keep up with Cadynce, who bounded down the trail looking…
