7th Ave
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Wednesday, March 22, 2023
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Florida bill to ban funds for college DEI initiatives gets closer to becoming law
The controversial bill, which is called HB 999, is one step closer to Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk after clearing its first major hurdle.
A bill that would ban colleges and universities in Florida from using funds to promote diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives is one step closer to becoming a law.
Gov. Ron DeSantis says DEI initiatives and the teaching of critical race theory are being used to push a political agenda.
More HERE
LGBTQ clothing store proud to be in Ybor
Ybor City has often been referred to as Gaybor because of all the LGBTQ-owned businesses. Unfortunately, many of those businesses have closed over the years. However, there is one clothing store that’s leading the comeback.
Bulge Apparel recently won Watermark’s Wave Award for Tampa Bay’s Favorite Hidden Gem.
Tucked away on 13th Street, across from trolley stop number four, owner PJ Salas said his clothing store may be small, but the impact it’s making is huge.
More HERE
DeSantis admin. moves to expand restrictions on LGBTQ discussions through high school
The administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is moving to forbid classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades, expanding the controversial law critics call “Don’t Say Gay” as the Republican governor continues a focus on cultural issues ahead of his expected presidential run.
The proposal, which would not require legislative approval, is scheduled for a vote next month before the state Board of Education and has been put forth by state Education Department, both of which are led by appointees of the governor.
More HERE
A Florida Senate panel supports a crackdown on drag shows
Amid a crackdown by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration on drag show performances, a Senate panel on Tuesday gave initial approval to a bill that would allow the state to revoke licenses of businesses that admit children to “adult live” performances.
The Republican-dominated Judiciary Committee voted 8-3 to advance the proposal (SB 1438).
More HERE
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Florida NAACP moves towards initiating a travel advisory for Florida
Over the weekend, the Florida State NAACP unanimously voted to ask the NAACP National Board to issue a travel advisory. The advisory would ask people to forego visiting and moving to the sunshine state.
"Saying you don't want AP African American Studies here because they have certain topics in it, certain categories, certain words in it. You don't want companies to have the word diversity, equity and inclusion because it has institutional racism in their policy. You know, it takes us back. And we've been fighting so hard," said Hillsborough County Chapter President Yvette Lewis.
More HERE
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'Don't Say Gay' lawmaker pleads guilty to COVID relief fraud
Former Florida State Representative Joseph Harding / Photo by Gage Skidmore
The former Florida lawmaker who sponsored the controversial law critics call “Don’t Say Gay” pleaded guilty Tuesday to committing $150,000 in COVID-19 relief fraud.
Joseph Harding, a 35-year-old Republican, pleaded guilty in Gainesville federal court to wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements in connection with COVID-19 relief fraud, according to court records. He faces up to 35 years in prison at a hearing scheduled for July 25.
More HERE
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Jessica Rose in Clearwater Beach
Playing music for you TONIGHT TUESDAY (and every Tuesday) at Beach Fire Beach Bar & Grille 8PM-11PM see you beautiful people there! INFO
House panel moves bill executing child rapists with supermajority jury vote
The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee moved legislation by a 14-3 vote that enhances penalties on sexual battery against children.
Rep. Jessica Baker’s HB 1297 would pave the way for executing adults who rape children with only a supermajority jury verdict, meaning that at least eight of 12 jurors concur. If fewer than eight jurors agree on execution, then the crimes would merit life imprisonment.
More HERE
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Proposed Bill Would Ban The Florida Hemp Industry
In recent weeks, Florida legislators have taken steps toward banning hemp products. Senator Colleen Burton and Representative William Robinson have introduced companion bills, HB 1475 and SB 1676, [which] would reclassify hemp extract as “a food that requires time and temperature control for safety and integrity of product” and impose several regulations that would effectively end the hemp industry in Florida.....MORE
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State pushes back in the fight over a Florida protest law
Protest in Tampa in 2021 / WMNF News
Attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis told the Florida Supreme Court late Monday that a controversial 2021 law about protests that turn violent would not apply to peaceful demonstrators, disputing that the law is unconstitutional.
A 25-page brief was the latest move in a long-running battle about a law that DeSantis championed after nationwide protests following the 2020 death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. Dubbed the “Combating Public Disorder” law, the measure included a series of steps aimed at cracking down on people who participate in riots or a “violent public disturbance.”
More HERE
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