Florida News That Impacts You – May 3rd, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Colleges throughout Florida were subjected to false active shooter calls Tuesday morning. Palm Beach Atlantic, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International, Broward College, City College, Southern Technical College, Cape Coral Technical College, Tampa based, Arizona College of Nursing and Indian River State College all received false reports of an active shooter. Authorities are investigating the false reports. No arrests have been made.
- Recent movers in the state legislative session included the Pharmacy bill. The legislature unanimously passed the bill which would crack down on third party negotiated prices and markups for prescribed drugs within the state – a priority of Governor DeSantis. It now heads to his desk to sign. The legislature has also passed the Pathway for Military Combat Medics Act. The legislation allows for Florida’s universities, colleges and trade schools to issue college credit for medics who served in the armed forces. It heads to Governor DeSantis’ to sign. The Legislature passed the Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking bill. The legislation calls for additional signage, staffing and training at all shelters across the state. Florida remains third nationally for human trafficking. The legislature also passed the Protections of Medical Conscience bill. The legislation allows for dissent among medical service providers without retribution. This includes the right for conscience-based objections – such as gender transformation procedures.
- Governor DeSantis signed one bill into law Tuesday. The Government and Corporate Activism legislation, which limits the use of social governance, or ESG standards for state investments, is now in force.
- Gas prices dropped a penny on Tuesday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.62 per gallon – seven cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.82 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.