Is The Sunshine State growing closer to oblivion naturally, scientifically, politically, and in other weird ways? Florida’s not alone.
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Louisiana
- South Carolina and Alabama (tie)
- —
- Missouri
- Indiana
- Tennessee
- Arkansas
- Florida
https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2023/07/18/texas-worst-place…
For the record, I earned my undergraduate degree, began my career, got married, and my daughters were born in Florida. But then along came DON & RON aka Dumb and Dumber. Liar, leach, DON with his fake tan, makeup man with implanted and dyed hair. Then came RON with his high heels, Loudmouth, and hate monger.
Yesterday, one of my former students asked me why I was no longer visiting Florida. My answer was the same as when one of the State’s university toppers asked me if there was one reason why I would reject an offer to serve as a faculty member there. My answers were #MoRonDisaster
EDUCATION At New College of Florida, a ‘ridiculously high’ number of faculty are gone. Many frustrated teachers and researchers have resigned or taken leaves to look for other jobs, school officials say. https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2023/07/18/new-college-florida-… And that ain’t all - https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/20/us/florida-black-history-education-stand…
INFLATION: Florida is now America’s inflation hotspot because of a persistent problem with sky-high housing costs. https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/10/economy/florida-inflation-hotspot-region…
ECOLOGY - According to published reports there are multiple threats to conservation http://www.landscope.org/florida/threats/
HEALTH - Malaria can be spread by mosquitoes. To prevent mosquito bites, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear loose-fitted long-sleeved shirts and pants, and use screens on windows and doors. Florida remains under health advisory https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article277404923.html
SPORTS - Miami's Mess Lionel Messi is an aging Argentinian soccer player who has played for too many years past his prime. Therefore, he fits in with Florida's geriatric population.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV0PbW8fJKk
DEMOCRACY - Ron DeSantis Has a Problem. It’s Florida. There’s a reason the state has never sent a politician to the White House. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/05/24/ron-desantis-florida-…
ABORTION: After passing a 15-week abortion limit in 2022, lawmakers and DeSantis went further this year and approved a plan (SB 300) to prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The six-week limit would take effect if the Florida Supreme Court rules that a privacy clause in the state Constitution does not protect abortion rights.
DEATH PENALTY: Lawmakers passed a measure (SB 450) that eliminated a requirement for unanimous jury recommendations before judges can impose death sentences. The bill lowered the threshold to recommendations of eight of 12 jurors. Lawmakers also approved a bill (HB 1297) aimed at allowing death sentences for people who rape children under age 12.
ELECTIONS: In the latest round of partisan battles about elections laws, Republican legislators passed a bill (SB 7050) that would place additional restrictions on voter registration groups, ease campaign finance reporting requirements, and change a “resign to run” law to help clear the way for DeSantis to potentially run for president in 2024.
GUNS: Lawmakers and DeSantis approved a measure (HB 543) that will allow Floridians to carry guns without concealed weapons licenses. Called “constitutional carry” by supporters, it will do away with a decades-old licensing process. The House also unsuccessfully sought to undo a 2018 law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns.
IMMIGRATION: Taking aim at federal border policies, lawmakers passed a bill (SB 1718) that includes stepping up requirements on businesses to check the immigration status of workers, cracking down on people who bring undocumented immigrants into Florida, and collecting data about whether hospital patients are in the country legally.
LAWSUIT LIMITS: In a major win for business groups, lawmakers and DeSantis approved a bill (HB 837) aimed at helping shield businesses and insurance companies from costly lawsuits. The bill, which drew opposition from plaintiffs’ attorneys, includes changes such as shortening the time to file negligence lawsuits and largely eliminating “one-way” attorney fees.
LGBTQ: Lawmakers passed a series of bills targeting LGBTQ issues. That included a bill (SB 254) that would bar doctors from providing treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender minors. Also, they approved expanding a prohibition on instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools (HB 1069).
CRIME: Researchers say the report that shows crime is down to a 50-year low comes with caveats because of an ongoing switch to a new methodology to track crime. The Problem with Ron DeSantis’ Claims About Crime in Florida https://time.com/6294021/ron-desantis-crime-florida-data/