Florida News – Highlights from around the state – February 18th
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Today at 5pm is the deadline to register to vote for March’s Presidential primary elections March 17th.
- According to the state records, Florida saw a significant decrease in bicycle deaths statewide last year. 142 deaths occurred statewide, a decrease from the record setting 160 in 2018.28 of the deaths occurred in South Florida (Broward, Miami-Dade & Palm Beach counties).
- While overall manatee deaths by boaters reached record levels in 2019, overall manatee deaths dropped from 824 to 606 last year. Broward and Miami Dade both saw fewer manatee deaths while there was a slight rise in Palm Beach County.
- The Florida, Fish and Wildlife’s turtle nesting study revealed over 160,000 sea turtle nests statewide in 2019. That represents an increase following a two-year decline. All species saw growth in nests last year.
- According to the latest report from city officials, nearly 212 million gallons of sewage have spewed into waterways in Fort Lauderdale due to ruptured pipes. City officials have approved funds for repairs,though the project will take over a year to complete.
- Monday movers in the state session included a bill that’d require D or F schools to submit turnaround plans that they’d be held accountable to by the state. If passed the new law would seg with the new BEST curriculum. A bill that’d mandate greater airport transparency with accounting practices and expenditures took next steps...also,the college athlete compensation bill passed another Senate committee.