Florida News Highlights For March 13th

Your recap of some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.

There were 16 new cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Florida on Thursday. This included five in Broward and two in Palm Beach County. While most of the cases involved adults over 60, three of the cases involved people in their 20’s.

Governor DeSantis suspended official travel for state employees until further notice while laying out a five-point plan for state employees. 

1. Protect People

2. Increase testing statewide

3. Social Distancing

4. Protection of Florida’s Healthcare system including employees

5. Monitoring travelers into Florida

Each of those includes specific directives that are in forced statewide. They include purchasing additional test kits, working remotely, canceling events, limiting access to nursing homes and senior facilities, no visitors to prisons, minimizing unnecessary traffic into healthcare facilities and stringent controls on high-risk travelers into the state. Directives range from 30 days to TBD.

Governor DeSantis also activated the state’s emergency actions for Florida’s businesses. All local businesses are welcome to fill out the survey at https://floridadisaster.biz/.That information is used to access needs in the business community throughout the state. It’s shared with all relevant agencies including federal and can assist with any available relief.

The cancellation of all sporting activities associated with Major League Baseball, the NCAA tournaments, the NBA and the NHL has brought an abrupt end to all professional and collegiate sports being held in Florida and by Florida’s teams until further notice. Same Universal Orlando and Disney World theme parks through March.

In Thursday’s state session, there were several items moved. First, the DNA legislation that bans insurance companies from using it passed for Governor DeSantis to sign. Also, the legislation that overhauls DCF oversight. A compromised E-Verify bill that doesn’t mandate the use of the federal E-Verify database and legislation that would raise the legal smoking and vaping age to 21.

Today is the final scheduled day of the session but it will run through at least next Wednesday because the state’s budget needs to be finalized. 

Photo by: Getty Images North America


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