CITRUS In March 2016, following approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam permitted Florida orange growers to spray three anti-bacterial chemicals on their trees in an effort to curb citrus greening. The EPA initially approved the use of the anti-bacterials until December 31st. Early research shows the chemicals are effectively Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
PRICE GOUGING In December, three hotels in the Tampa Bay area were accused by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office of price gouging during the states of emergency declared for Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine. One of the hotels charged 400 percent more than the average nightly rate. All three complaints seek civil penalties, disgorgement, injunctive relief, Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
MEDICAL MARIJUANA The Department of Health’s Office of Compassionate Use starts a week-long tour on February 6th to gather public input for the rules they will write to govern the use of medical marijuana. To attend one of the hearings, see this schedule. Meanwhile, Senate and House members are introducing bills to either implement Amendment 2, Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
TOURISM RECORD Governor Scott announced in November that Florida set another record in tourism, welcoming 85 million visitors to Florida so far this year. In the third quarter of 2016, 26.9 million people came to the State. CITRUS UPDATE Orange growers are cautiously optimistic about estimates concerning the citrus production forecast. The latest projection from Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
DISASTER FUNDING Volunteer Florida awarded $300,000 to organizations throughout Florida to start or improve their emergency response efforts. The City of Orlando and Orange County were among the 40 recipients of the federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Funding will be used for recruiting and training of civilians to assist first responders during Read more about Issues of Interest[…]