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Beginning with a primary in the St. Petersburg mayoral race next week, Florida will hold 82 municipal elections before the end of the year, and voting rights activists are worried recent changes to Florida’s election laws will make it more difficult for some to vote.

The activists are pining their hopes on national legislation.

Before the end of the year, 29 counties will hold 82 local elections.

One of the biggest and most important will be the mayoral race in St. Petersburg, which has a primary next week.

“We didn’t new barriers to accessing drop boxes,” said State Representative Fentrice Driskell.

Activists say this year’s changes could make voting harder.

“St. Pete has a very large African American population, ,I just want to make sure they have been well educated in what these changes are going to mean for them,” said Driskell.

All Voting is Local is pushing Federal legislation to override Senate Bill 90.

“I mean, that’s why we need these national protections in place. Allowing people to register the day of the election,” said Brad Ashwell with All Voting is Local.

But the sponsor of the voting legislation, State Senator Dennis Baxley, argued opening registration to Election Day would create problems, not fix them.

“When you’ve got people registering in the middle of voting, that’s how you get mishaps,” said Baxley.

During the Zoom, a former Congresswoman said that GOP lawmakers nationwide had introduced over 400 election bills.

She suggested a conspiracy.

Sponsor Baxley answered the question this way.

“Well, that’s one I haven’t heard, so I hardly know how to respond. I had no trouble putting one bill together,” said Baxley.

The biggest test of SB 90 will come in November when Broward County will hold a special congressional election.

The outcome will either fuel the efforts to change the law, or perhaps prove the Florida Legislature right.

A Federal lawsuit seeking to have this years election law changes declared unconstitutional is pending.

Governor Ron DeSantis is now saying school districts imposing mask mandates without the option for parents to opt-out aren’t defying him, he says they’re breaking the law.

Despite the threat of sanctions from the Board of Education, Hillsborough, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade have joined Alachua and Broward and removed parental op-out options.

With a total of five districts now defying Department of Health rules mandating a parental opt-out from mask mandates, the Biden Administration has announced it will look into potential legal action to thwart Florida’s mask-optional mandate.

“I really appreciate it. Every single county looks different,” said Hillsborough School Board Member Karen Perez regarding the potential federal help.

For Perez, the staggering 10,000 plus quarantines in the first week of school made her decision to remove the opt-out requirement easy.

“Because right now they’re out of the classroom. We want them in the classroom,” said Perez.

Between school staff and students, 0.89 percent of her Bay Area district has been infected with COVID while operating under the prior mask optional policy.

That’s compared to 0.77 percent in Alachua, where masks were mandated since day one.

We asked if the relatively similar case rates between the two counties factored into her decision to remove the parental opt-out.

“At 10,000 quarantined, I’m not gonna wait until that number gets higher,” said Perez.

Districts have not challenged the opt-out requirement in the courts yet, but a Circuit Court Judge heard a lawsuit brought by parents challenging the state policy Thursday afternoon.

The hearing was on the state’s motion to dismiss the suit, but the judge ruled he would allow the case to go forward.

The state argued by allowing the case to go to trial the Judge would find himself in the position of legislating from the bench.

“The court would be walking squarely into a non-justiciable political question,” said the state’s attorney Michael Abel.

What sanctions districts who remove parental op-out options will face is still unclear.

Multiple possibilities including removal from office have been floated, but there had been no official announcement as of Thursday afternoon.

In response to the potential for federal interference in the state’s masking policy, DeSantis Press Secretary Christina Pushaw told us in a statement, “Forced-maskers often criticize Governor DeSantis for overruling “local control” in his defense of individual rights. Yet they support Biden’s blatant federal overreach. CDC bureaucrats and their inconsistent, politicized “guidance” does not supersede the rights of parents to make health and education decisions for their own children.”

The NCAA is ratcheting up the pressure on universities scheduled to hold championship games, requiring them to reaffirm their commitment to nondiscrimination, including against trans athletes.

Trans activists say it’s further evidence the state will lose money due to its ban on trans athletes in women’s sports, but Republican lawmakers aren’t deterred.

The NCAA is requiring future championship hosts to commit to its nondiscrimination policy, which allows trans women to compete in women sports under certain circumstances, but a new state law allows only biological women to compete in women sports.

“This legislation has put in peril some of those important championships and sporting events, but really more than anything it’s putting in peril our young people’s opportunities to play on teams and learn critical lessons that come from sports,” said Jon Harris Maurer with Equality Florida.

But supporters of the law dubbed ‘The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act’ aren’t backing down.

“If they want the University of Florida or Florida State or our other schools to leave the NCAA, that may be up to them,” said State Representative Randy Fine.

At the time of the bill’s signing, activists estimated the law could cost the state 50 events and $75 million in economic activity.

But so far, championships have continued to be held in the Sunshine State.

Rep. Fine said he believes the association’s threats are a bluff.

“Look, they’re a bunch of clowns and they will fold and we’re not worried about it. Look, we’re going to stand for women,” said Fine.

There’s also a lawsuit filed in federal court challenging the law, which claims it violates Title IX and the 14th Amendment.

Attorney Rosalyn Richter, who is representing the 13-year-old trans teen named in the suit, said rulings from the US Supreme Court and two federal courts have backed up those arguments.

“These types of laws are sex discrimination under Title IX,” said Richter.

But supporters believe the law will be upheld.

“Men should not be able to play women’s sports period,” said Fine.

The state has until August 23rd to respond to the suit.

As for the position universities are stuck in, having to decide whether to follow state law or the NCAA, Representative Fine said, “The public universities know who writes the checks”.

The first seven months of this year have seen a record 900 plus manatees die.

The total is expected to hit as many as 1200 by the end of the year.

The Save the Manatee Club and two other nonprofits have given the US Fish and Wildlife Service warning they plan to sue if more isn’t done to protect the sea mammal.

State data shows 905 Manatees have already died this year, breaking the record of 830 in 2017, and it’s only going to get worse according to Pat Rose of the Save the Manatee Club.

“We’re looking at the potential of hundreds of more dying from starvation,” said Rose.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission was told the problem is a lack of sea grasses, particularly along the east coast.

“If its a red tide,, it comes and goes. If it’s a cold kill, it comes and goes. This one we’re uncertain how long the impact is going to be, but we know this forage not going to come back overnight or even in a few years,” said FWC Research Institute Director Gil McRae.

Three nonprofits, including Save the manatee Club have filed notice they intend to sue the US Fish and Wildlife Service, to try and force more funding to deal with the deaths.

The lack of food is so severe, state and federal agencies along with nonprofits are exploring putting stressed manatees in rehab centers or even proving food this winter.

“Manatees can eat up to a hundred pounds of food or more a day in terms of aquatic plants. If you times that by a thousand or two thousand manatees, that’s a monumental task,” said Rose.

Rose believes the the FWS will concede that there is a problem without having to file the suit.

“We think that this will work out in a way to the benefit of the manatees,” said Rose.

Before seagrasses began disappearing, the manatee, statistically, had just a half percent chance of becoming extinct in the next one hundred years, but with the water quality issues, there is now a six percent chance.

Two Florida congressmen have filed a bill to move the manatee from threatened status to endangered, which would free up more money and staff to save the population.

The state recorded 31,752 new COVID cases in Floridians aged 19 and younger last week.

There were also two new deaths of Floridians under the age of 16.

The new stats come as the debate over school mask mandates continues to escalate.

The state’s largest teachers union is tracking school related cases, quarantines and deaths.

It’s found more than 5,400 infections of students and staff and more than 8,500 quarantines since August 1st, but union President Andrew Spar noted the actual number is likely much higher.

“About a third of the school districts are reporting COVID cases publicly on their websites this year, but two thirds aren’t,” said Spar.

The Florida Education Association has also tracked three deaths of Florida children and 16 faculty members since July.

“We had 46 [faculty deaths] in total all of last year, a 12 month period. So it is quite concerning,” said Spar.

Seminole County student JJ Holmes, who has cerebral palsy, is worried he could become one of those statistics unless masks are mandated in schools.

In a virtual press conference with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried, Holmes criticized the Governor’s insistence that masks be optional.

“Governor DeSantis is taking away my rights so he can give more freedom to other people,” said Holmes.

Only two districts, Alachua and Broward have bucked the state’s parental opt-out requirement from mask mandates.

The Board of Education is set to vote on whether to withhold funding from those districts over the issue Tuesday.

The funding withheld would be equal to the salaries of the school board members and superintendents in the districts.

In a letter sent to the Governor and Florida DOE, US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona indicated school districts could use federal relief dollars to supplement the salaries if they’re withheld.

In response to the letter the Governor’s Press Secretary Christina Pushaw told us in a statement, “What we’re doing in Florida must be working, for Secretary Cardona to prioritize funding the salaries of politicians over students, parents, and teachers.”

Fans and worshipers arrived early this morning to say a final goodbye to Bobby Bowden, the famed FSU coach who died last Sunday at the age of 91. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, todays emphasis was on faith.

While the messages mirrored Bowdens philosophy of making faith family and football a priority, Mike Vasilinda tells us, todays emphasis was on faith.

At least 200 people waiting outside when the doors opened an hour and a half.

“He knew where he was going. He was sure of his salvation. He was going to live eternally. That’s the way I feel” said Vernon.

Chris McKinnon and his mom Pat came because Chris spent 8 years attending Bobby Bowden’s youth foot ball camps.

“I couldn’t wait to go to it every summer. I was so excited.”

Inside they were treated so years of highlight films, including this pep talk before a big game.

“If they don’t score, we win, and we do want to win, right?” Bowden is seen telling players.

Players, including Warrick Dunn, who played from 1993 to 96,  told stories of how they grew to be men under Bowden.

“He stood up for me in the most difficult time in my life. I am forever grateful for that, and I wouldn’t be here today without coach” Dunn told the audience, concluding with a classic Bowden line…dadgumit.

Mickey Andrews, who spend 20 years  coaching for Bowden, says he learned to be tough.

“He stood for doing your best. And he was going to hold you accountable to it.”

The program includes a letter to his children in 2004, telling them he was going to heaven…and he would consider his life a failure if they weren’t eventually there too.”

The letter was written a week after Bowdens daughter Ginger lost her son and husband in a car crash. She chose to read from a 1949 love letter sent wife Ann.

“Dearest Ann, I will see you later. Forever yours. Bobby Bowden” read the daughter to her mother.

The finale was one of the few that placed emphasis on football. The FSU band playing the fight song and the crowd doing the FSU Chop.

Consultant/Sport Writer Don Yaeger told us the program was just what Bobby would have wanted.

“I think he would be proudest that football really only did come in sparingly this entire discussion.”

Indeed.

Bowden will lie in state at his alma mater, Samford tomorrow evening. He will be laid to rest during a private ceremony in Trussville Alabama.

Most Florida school districts wrapped up their first week of classes Friday, almost all with a parental opt-out for face masks.

The Department of Education has threatened to withhold funding equal to the salaries of the superintendents and school board members in Alachua and Broward County if they don’t come into compliance before next Tuesday.

It’s more than a week before a lawsuit attempting to block the state’s opt-out mandate is expected to be ruled on.

The lawsuit brought by parents from across the state is attempting to put the decision of masking back in the hands of local school districts.

The parents’ attorney Charles Gallagher told us the first week of school has been difficult.

“I’m hearing of classrooms being closed down. I’m hearing kids contracting COVID on the second day of school, third day of school,” said Gallagher.

Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried painted a similar picture of school re-openings in virtual press conference Friday.

“As of last night there were 440 students in Palm Beach County schools that were quarantined after exposure to COVID,” said Fried.

The parents’ lawsuit got it’s first hearing later in the afternoon, but a final ruling isn’t expected until the 25th.

Already, judges in Texas and Arkansas have temporarily blocked bans on mask mandates.

“The trend certainly does appear to favor a resolution that does protect students, and gives school boards the right to govern themselves,” said Gallagher.

In a statement the Governor’s Office noted the decisions in Texas and Arkansas have no bearing on Florida.

“We are confident in the legal basis for protecting parents’ freedom to choose whether their own children wear masks or not,” said DeSantis Press Secretary Christina Pushaw.

With no ruling expected before the next meeting of the State Board of Education, where members are expected to vote to withhold the salaries of officials in districts out of compliance, school officials are going to have a tough choice to make: Forego a paycheck or pay themselves and take money from other areas of their school budget.

At least two members of Broward’s School Board have committed to forgo their pay.

“I personally am prepared if the Governor goes that route to take our salaries, to give up my salary,” said Broward County School Board Chair Dr. Rosalind Osgood.

“I am prepared to go without a paycheck,” said Broward School Board member Sarah Leonardi.

State Senate Democrats have pledged to start a GoFundMe, to pay the salaries of the school officials if DOE follows through and cuts funding.

Also, in Alachua, County Officials have vowed to supplement the salaries of their Superintendent and School Board members.

The reality of the passing of Bobby Bowden started sinking in for fans, former players and friends of the legendary coach as they paid tribute to the coach as he lie in state in the Historic State Capitol Rotunda Friday.

Bowden was described as a man of faith, tough, and having a heart of garnet and gold.

Burly state troopers struggled with a casket weighing 700 pounds empty.

The family and FSU president John thrasher paid their respects first.

Afterwards Thrasher was visibly moved.

“I’m emotional, emotional. But God bless him and his family. He was a wonderful man,” said Thrasher.

A steady flow or mourners paid their respects over the three hour memorial.

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony told us Bowden was responsible for his successes.

“All those things that were part of practice, part of football, turn into the foundation for how I even lead my organization to this day,” said Tony.

The consensus of many who came her today: FSU would never have become the powerhouse it has become without Bobby Bowden.

“He said Sue, I’m looking for a momma for my team,” said Sue Hall, Bowden’s former assistant.

It was a role she held for 23 years.

“I think he cared so much for his team and they knew it. He had a lot of faith, and god helped him, I believe,” said Hall.

“He knocked the cane on the floor.”

At least a dozen former players shared stories with each other.

“He would go to those lockers when he knew kids were hurting and he would sit at those lockers everyday after practice and talk to them,” said Jordan.

Bowden passed at the age of 91.

We’re told Bowden approached getting older, by saying he wasn’t going to let the old man in.

Now that the Department of Interior has allowed the gaming compact between the state and Seminole Tribe to go into effect, opponents of the increased gaming being given to the tribe are readying a suit to stop it.

The Seminole gaming Pact was signed in April, approved by lawmakers in May and allowed to go into effect by the Department of the Interior when the 45-day review period expired without a comment.

“We plan to do what it takes to make sure this is in front of the courts, both at the federal level and the state level,” said John Sowinski with No Casinos Inc.

No Casinos Inc. is now readying a law suit to stop the compact.

“The compact that’s been approved violates at least three federal laws. The Indian gaming Regulatory Act, the online gaming act, as well as the Federal Wire Act,” said Sowinski.

The compact allows sports betting starting October 15th, as well as craps and roulette, none of which are currently legal in Florida.

Because of that, No Casinos believes that only voters can approve of more gaming.

“Amendment 3 is under assault. An amendment that seventy two percent of the people of Florida voted for is being ignored,” said Sowinski.

But the Governor and Tribe are hanging their hopes on Section C of the amendment passed by voters in 2018 .

“And I think it satisfies Amendment 3,” said Governor Ron DeSantis in April.

But No Casino’s disagrees.

“And the Legislature does not have the authority to duly authorize within our state sports betting, roulette, craps, any other form of casino gambling unless the voters of Florida approve it,” said Sowinski.

Florida voters have turned down casino gambling in 1978, 86 and 94.

They only narrowly approved slot machines in 2004, but only for south Florida.

No Casino’s contends the Indian Regulatory Gaming Act only allows gaming already legal in a state to take place on tribal lands.

A judge is likely to have the final say.

CDC data shows Florida reported a record 24,753 cases yesterday and the continuing spike in cases has the Governor suggesting a return to daily data reporting from the Department of Health might be on the table.

For the first time since the Florida daily COVID dashboard was taken down in June, Governor Ron DeSantis has indicated it might be a good idea to start daily reporting again.

“In terms of breaking it down by county, you know, that might not be a bad idea going forward. I know we used to look at that a lot,” said DeSantis in a Thursday press conference.

In a virtual press conference held later in the day, Democratic state lawmakers’ response amounted to: What took so long?

“It’s like going into a football game and trying to make halftime adjustments and you’re down 70 points,” said Rep. Ramon Alexander.

The Governor’s comment comes after the Department of Health got in a public spat with the CDC via Twitter.

The federal agency published three days of cases over the span of two, artificially inflating the number to a would-be-record of over 28,000 cases for two consecutive days.

Democrats point to the incident as all the more reason for the state to publish the data itself.

“The information should come directly from the source and it should be blanketed and universally given out on a daily basis to everyone,” said Rep. Christine Hunschofsky.

Most, if not all, of the stats Democrats are asking for from the state is already reported by the CDC, but Democrats argue the detail and the frequency of the data is what’s missing.

“The more concrete data and localized data that we can give to our communities, the better equipped they will be to make the decisions they need to make to keep their families and communities safe,” said Rep. Hunschofsky.

What exactly local governments could do in response to daily data from the state is limited.

Mask mandates are banned and lockdowns are forbidden under state laws passed earlier this year.

Since June the state has been releasing a weekly report on COVID and vaccination stats.

That report does include county positivity rates, all 67 of which last week were above 14 percent.

The CDC considers anything above a 10 percent positivity rate an area of high transmission.

Ten school districts opened their doors Wednesday, joining the 45 that opened earlier in the week.

While threats from the Department of Education were enough for some districts to back track on parental opt-outs for masks, one district has started the school year under a mask mandate.

The Alachua School District is the only one open and not allowing parents to opt their kids out of wearing a mask.

The district is requiring a doctor’s note instead.

“They are not allowed to be on campus if they will not follow our policy and that’s just how it is,” said Alachua Superintendent Dr. Carlee Simon.

She told us some parents have pushed back.

“We have parents who are not happy about their two options. I’ve received emails from quite a few of them,” said Simon.

Simon said only 25 medical exemptions have been submitted.

Concerningly, she said, 13 came from the same doctor.

“And we are looking into that,” said Simon.

As for students who show up without a mask or a doctor’s note Simon said they will receive an absence from school

The Governor’s Office in a statement called the policy, “Detrimental to kids’ academic, emotional, and social development”.

However, the Governor’s Office was happy to see that in the Capital County, the district reversed course at the last minute and allowed parents to make the call on masks.

“But to strongly encourage all of our children to wear masks while they’re indoors,” said Leon County Superintendent Rocky Hanna.

Though the Governor did not directly make the threat, he does have the power to remove Leon’s Superintendent because it’s an elected position.

It was a key factor in the district’s decision.

“I don’t do anyone any good if I’m not in that seat anymore and the Governor ends up appointing the next Superintendent of Leon County Schools,” said Hanna.

In Alachua and Broward, removal from office isn’t a concern, as their superintendents are appointed.

While not back to school yet, Broward is also going to require a doctor’s note.

“I’m really proud of the decision that we made,” said Broward School Board Member Sarah Leonardi.

Leonardi said the district is preparing to sue over the state’s opt-out mandate.

“It is our right and purview under the Florida Constitution to make these kinds of decisions,” said Leonardi.

If a court rules differently, Superintendent and School board member salaries are on the line – a risk Leonardi is willing to take.

Leon is also preparing for legal action in the event local health conditions go south.

Alachua also has indicated it’s looking into a lawsuit to challenge the opt-out mandate.

Cash is flowing into the 2022 race for Governor, with more than $5 million in raised in July alone.

Governor Ron DeSantis holds a more than 20-1 advantage in cash on hand, but it’s likely to be short lived.

The political committee, Friends of Ron DeSantis has been having a great year, raising just over $40 million since January. r

“Illegal immigration, on shutting down businesses, on masking. All of those issues have been things people have been fighting back against and he’s been the guy fighting it,” said DeSantis Campaign Advisor Nick Iarossi.

In July alone the committee took in just over $4.2 million.

Much of it from the sale of merchandise with the theme ‘Keep Florida Free’.

Nearly 14,000 of the 18,000 contributors last month gave less than 50 dollars.

Now a Democrat, former GOP Governor Charlie Crist raised $503,000 last month from 2,900 contributors.

He has $2. 2 million on hand in his two political accounts.

“Nobody thought that I was going to be able to win,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried during a recent Democratic event.

And as Florida’s only elected statewide Democrat, Fried’s political committee has raised $1.4 million since the first of the year, and another $526,000 in the campaign account.

She trailed Crist in July fundraising, but has more on hand.

Democrats we spoke with told us the cash on hand now doesn’t matter.

What’s important, they say, whether they are competitive after their primary.

Fried has been critical of the Governor for raising money instead of spending every day in Flordia.

“He needs to be focusing on the people of our state and not traveling across the country,” said Fried Wednesday.

But beyond criticizing the Governor, Fried declined to discuss her fundraising.

“We are in the Capitol and I don’t want to talk campaign strategies and platforms. We can certainly do that offline,” said Fried.

And the fundraising is only going to get more intense.

The Governor’s goal is to raise $150 million.

Democrats are hoping for $100 million when all is said and done.

The Crist campaign declined to be interviewed for this story.

Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran said he’s opening an investigation into two Florida School Districts’ for their decision to require a doctor’s note to opt out of their mask mandates.

A third district, Broward, which took similar action Tuesday, is likely to face the same threat.

But still to be litigated is the question of whether the state’s opt-out mandate is legal in the first place.

“There is no room for error or leniency when it comes to ensuring compliance with policies that allow parents and guardians to make health and educational choices for their children,” wrote Corcoran in letters sent to the Alachua and Leon County Superintendents.

In the strongly worded letters, Corcoran threatened to recommend to the State Board of Education that the salaries of school board members and the superintendents in the two counties be withheld, if they don’t allow parents the final say on masking their children.

“A child’s life is worth more than their salaries and they’re going to put the life of that child first,” said Representative Robin Bartleman.

Bartleman joined with other state Democrats on a virtual press conference Tuesday, where they decried the Commissioner’s threats.

While data provided by the State Department of Health found similar case rates in schools with and without mask mandates last year, Rep. Fentrice Driskell argued the opt-out mandate ties the hands of districts and puts students at risk.

“What I would say to the superintendents and schools boards, is to stand strong. Stand firm. You know, you’re not alone,” said Driskell.

The school districts were given until 5 PM Wednesday to prove they are in compliance with the state’s opt out policy.

A lawsuit filed by parents from across the state challenging whether the state has the authority to dictate local school mask policy doesn’t get a hearing until Friday.

“The constitution is pretty clear in the regard. School boards that we elect to oversee local schools are best suited to make these policy decisions,” said Attorney Ron Meyer.

Meyer worked on the school reopening lawsuit brought by parents and the state teachers union last year.

While it was ultimately unsuccessful, Meyer said the final ruling in the case set some precedent that could chart a path forward for the new masking lawsuit.

“In that lawsuit, the First District Court of Appeal said that policy decision is to be made by local elected school boards. Not the Department of Education, not the State Board of Education and certainly not the Governor,” said Meyer.

Meyer added the mask lawsuit brought by parents may face a problem raised in the school reopening suit: The question of legal standing.

He said he believes the suit will have a better chance at succeeding if school districts join in.

That could be coming soon.

During Broward County School Board’s meeting Tuesday, the board indicated it did plan to pursue a legal challenge to the opt-out requirement.

Governor Ron DeSantis has been a champion of restarting cruises on one hand, and the main proponent of not allowing proof of vaccinations for cruises or anything else.

That’s left the cruise industry walking a a thin line.

The first cruise to set sail from Florida left June 26.

The CEO of Celebrity Cruises, Lisa Ludoff-Perlo, told the Economic Club of Florida that the Governor’s prohibition on vaccine passports was a tough hurdle to overcome.

“The state of Florida does not tell us we can’t ask. They can tell us we can’t require. So we are working within those constraints to insure that we live up to our commitment as a brand that we will sail at at least 95 percent vaccinated,” said Ludoff-Perlo.

But the unvaccinated face different protocols on board.

“And, so many are opting not to cruise because of those additional protocols,” said Ludoff-Perlo.

The CEO said surveys show public confidence about cruising has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Speaking virtually, Ludoff-Perlo told the audience that so far, COVID protocols have been working.

“And no one ever said there would not be a case on board. That’s unrealistic, and its not goign to happen and we are all watching what’s going on in Florida right now,” said Ludoff-Perlo.

And the CEO also said unvaccinated passengers pose their own problems.

“We do have ports of call that will not allow any unvaccinated guests into their ports,” said Ludoff-Perlo.

The question of whether private companies can require proof of vaccination is far from settled, and won’t likely be until the state takes the case to the US Supreme Court.

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against Florida’s ban on vaccine passports as it applies to Norwegian, ruling the cruise line can require vaccination proof as the case moves forward because it’s likely they’ll ultimately succeed.