These are some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida. Let's start with Governor DeSantis. He made four judicial appointments on Thursday filling vacancies on three Circuit Courts and the Pinellas County Court. Governor DeSantis has appointed more than 100 judges within his first two years in office.
In other news, Florida’s weekly unemployment filings have reached the lowest levels since the pandemic began with Thursday’s report. However, 2,000 American Airlines employees in South Florida are being laid off as part of American’s restructuring with low demand for air travel continuing.
The White House Coronavirus Task Force has approved a plan that will allow the cruise industry to depart from Florida’s Ports on November 1st. Under the plan, the first cruises will be tested with crew members playing the role of passengers for the ships as they test protocols prior to accepting passengers. The cruise industry employs 150,000 Floridians and accounts for $8 billion in direct revenue annually within the state.
Publix has clarified the store policy regarding masks under Florida’s Phase 3 reopening. Masks will still be required to enter stores until further notice.
Lastly, Florida’s K-12 Achievement is 3rd best nationally according to the 2020 Quality Counts report, which is compiled by Education Week. Florida improved from 4th last year with a score of B- statewide. The national average is a C.
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