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Lottery Warnings Cut Short by Senate

May 1st, 2019 by Jake Stofan

The Florida Senate has made some changes and is now ready to vote on a bill that would require lottery tickets to include a warning label informing players of the addictiveness of gambling.

The warning was originally 26 words long, but now would simply state “WARNING: LOTTERY GAMES MAY BE ADDICTIVE” or “PLAY RESPONSIBLY.”

Senate Sponsor Rob Bradley says the label will hopefully make people think twice before plying the games, particularly if they can’t afford it.

“You have people who can’t afford to play the lottery, playing the lottery and we want to make sure that they are making good decisions, not bad decisions for their family,” said Bradley.

The Senate also removed language from the bill that dealt with prohibiting electronic sale of lottery tickets.

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Sanctuary Cities Ban Teed Up for House Vote

May 1st, 2019 by Jake Stofan

The Florida House is expected to pass its version of the bill banning sanctuary cities in the state.

On Tuesday the House amended the Senate’s bill by removing an exemption for the Department of Children and Families to comply with immigration authorities and protections for undocumented immigrants who were victims of crime.

House sponsor Representative Cord Byrd says the protections already exist.

“There are protections in the law and we have some of those not only contained in the statute, but in the state constitution now. So I would encourage victims and witnesses of crime to cooperate with law enforcement,” said Byrd. “We’re trying to get those people who are committing crimes in our communities and prevent them from harming people further.”

The bill will now have to bounce back to the Senate, but Rep. Byrd says he’s confident there is enough support in the chamber to pass the House language.

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Toll Road and Suncoast Expansions Sent to Governor

May 1st, 2019 by Mike Vasilinda

A plan to build a toll road from Collier County to the middle of the state, extend the Suncoast parkway all the way to the state line, and extend the turnpike to the West coast was sent to the Governor Wednesday.

Environmentalists worry it will hurt wildlife, but supporters say the state has to prepare for the future.

“We also got to make sure we’ve got the capacity to get people out of harms way when imminent danger is upon us,” said Rep. Wengay Newton. “As you saw with Irma and when we reversed all the lanes going north on I-75, it was a parking lot. So its important we have other options. Also for the coastal communities, this will be a closer access for them from the Gulf.”

Funding for the project grows from$35 million this year to $140 million a year in four years.

A feasibility study is due next year.

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Governor Signs New Protections for Police K-9s

May 1st, 2019 by Mike Vasilinda

Governor Ron DeSantis ceremoniously signed legislation increasing penalties for harming a police dog or horse Wednesday morning.

It comes after a Jacksonville police dog named Fang was shot and killed by a car jacker last year.

Deputy Matt Herrera says it was like losing a member of his family.

“You see the mantra, the big bad police dig and you can’t pet them, you know this is a ferocious animal. It’s not the case. They are so well trained. You can see there’s all kinds of people around here and all he cares about is a yellow foam ball. So they have that switch and we train that switch into them,” said Herrera. “The same thing we do. Super nice, but when its time for go time he knows it time for go time.”

“These dogs love to work and they are so loyal,” said Debbie Johnson, founder of K-9’s United. “And they would literally sacrifice their life to keep us safe. How can you not honor that?”

The legislation makes harming a police dog or horse a second degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

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Hope for Hurricane Relief Ahead of Trump Visit to Panhandle

May 1st, 2019 by Jake Stofan

President Donald Trump is expected to hold a rally in the Florida Panhandle on May 8th.

The announcement comes as panhandle residents are still waiting for Congress to pass a disaster relief package to help fund Hurricane Michael recovery.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who is from Panama City says he hopes the President delivers good news when he arrives in the sunshine state.

“The visit to Northwest Florida would really be extra special if it came with a relief package from Congress. Most importantly is Tyndall Air Force Base and the whole role it plays in the national security of our nation. So it’s critical,” said Patronis.

The primary hold up on the federal level has been a dispute over whether relief for Puerto Rico should be included in a disaster relief bill for Florida.

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