Florida News That Impacts You – May 20th, 2021
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- More good news with Florida’s trend of new coronavirus cases. Florida’s daily rate of cases peaked a month ago today and has now improved for four consecutive weeks dropping from nearly 6,800 a month ago to 3,007 today.
- The rate of new vaccinations continues to be sluggish. Florida’s now had three straight weeks of more Floridians being vaccinated with a second dose of a vaccine than a first. 9.7 million Floridians have been vaccinated with at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine with 7.7 million who’ve completed a vaccine series.
- A day after passing the state senate by a 38-1 vote, the renegotiated Seminole Compact, with sports gaming, passed with broad bipartisan support in Florida’s House on a 97-17 vote. The bill now goes to Governor DeSantis for his signature, however the NoCasinos group which backed 2018’s Amendment 3 has promised to sue and have articulated their belief it will be struck down in court. Should the legislation withstand legal challenges the effective date is October 15th for sports gaming.
- Florida’s Department of Children and Families has opened the state’s rental assistance program for families behind on their rent due to pandemic related hardships. $800 million is available through the program. Eligible renters must be Florida rental residents, have a household income at or below 80% of the median income, have evidence of a loss of income during the pandemic and evidenced risk of losing one’s home. Up to $15,000 per family is available and applicants may apply at OURFlorida.com.
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