BILLS IN EFFECT IN 2020 Beginning January 1st, the Florida Highway Patrol began issuing citations, rather than warnings, to drivers violating Florida’s ban on texting while driving. Drivers must also use a hands-free device when using their phones in a school zone or construction area. Additionally, Florida became the twenty-first state to allow on-line notarizations. Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
Select Committee on the Integrity of Research Institutions Speaker Oliva created the Select Committee on the Integrity of Research Institutions on December 30th to determine the extent of foreign investment in research funded by Florida taxes. Speaker Designate Chris Sprowls (R-Clearwater) will serve as chair and Representative Tom Leek (R-Daytona Beach) will serve as vice chair. Read more about Legislative Issues[…]
Florida Board of Medicine Reappointed was Dr. Hector Vila, Tampa, a founding partner at Pediatric Dental Anesthesia. He was appointed to the Florida Board of Medicine in 2016 and has served as vice chair. Florida Development Finance Corporation Appointed were Paul Tanner, Fort Lauderdale, managing director at Las Olas Capital Advisors; Rebecca Reynolds-Russell, Odessa, vice Read more about Movers and Shakers[…]
National Association of Medicaid Directors Beth Kidder, deputy secretary at the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, was voted president-elect of the National Association of Medicaid Directors at their national conference on November 12th. Office of Insurance Regulation The Florida Cabinet has selected Russell Weigel to succeed Ronald Rubin as Office of Financial Regulation Commissioner. Read more about Movers and Shakers[…]
LOST CEMETERY As many as 800 bodies may be buried in a long-forgotten cemetery for African-Americans dating back to the early 1900’s. The Zion cemetery property is now partially owned by Tampa restaurateur and businessman Richard Gonzmart and his Columbia Restaurant Group. The Tampa Housing Authority hired archaeologists who have found 144 coffins thus far. Read more about Issues of Interest[…]