Florida
Government expert explains mounting pressure for Florida lawmakers to meet critical deadline amid budget disputes
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Florida’s legislative session enters its final week, lawmakers are racing against the clock to address several key issues before the May 2 deadline.
Among the most pressing concerns is the state budget, which must be finalized to ensure the fiscal year begins smoothly on July 1. However, it looks like the legislature may not complete its work on time.
Chris Hand, an expert on state government, notes, “Increasing signs suggest the legislature is not going to finish its work on May 2.”
He explains that the House and Senate have encountered challenges in reconciling their different appropriations bills. If they fail to reach an agreement by the deadline, lawmakers may need to extend the session or return for special sessions, with the ultimate budget deadline set for June 30.
State law demands a cooling-off period. Hand confirms that lawmakers typically have about three days to review proposals before voting. He warns that missing earlier deadlines could jeopardize the timely completion of the session. “The chances of finishing on time and having that handkerchief drop to what they call signing day become increasingly less likely,” he adds.
The complexities of the budget process are compounded by differing priorities within the legislature. Hand explains that the governor presents a budget proposal, but both the House and Senate develop their own versions before attempting to reconcile their differences. “Sometimes that’s easier than others,” he admits, noting that revenue challenges can complicate negotiations.
As the session progresses, the tension between the executive and legislative branches is palpable. Hand observes, “It is more the norm than the exception for the executive branch and the legislative branch to have different and very strong feelings about what a budget should look like.” This year, however, the dynamics have shifted as the legislature reasserts its authority, particularly as Gov. Ron DeSantis approaches the end of his second term.
The current climate reflects a departure from the alignment seen during the early years of DeSantis’s administration. Hand recalls how, in the past, the governor was able to achieve most of his priorities during the session. Now, as the legislature prioritizes its institutional prerogatives, the path to a finalized budget appears increasingly challenging.
“This is no different than what’s happened in every governorship,” Hand states, referencing historical tensions between the executive and legislative branches. He emphasizes that while the current situation may seem contentious, it is part of a longstanding tradition in Florida politics.
As the May 2 deadline approaches, the pressure mounts for lawmakers to resolve their differences and deliver a budget that meets the needs of Floridians. With the clock ticking, the outcome of this legislative session remains uncertain.
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TAMPA, Fla – New SNAP restrictions will start Monday in Florida.
What we know:
These changes will ban the purchase of many sugary sodas, energy drinks, candy and ultra-processed, shelf-stable prepared desserts.
Hunger Free America, an advocacy group, is against these restrictions.
Joel Berg, the CEO, said some regulation is a good thing, but he wants to see it support access to healthy foods as a choice.
“We do support mandates to mandate that healthier food is available in stores that do accept SNAP,” Berg said. “So, it makes a lot more sense to make it easier to get healthier food.”
Berg said these restrictions are unnecessary in achieving a healthier America.
“We should make America healthier again by making healthy food more affordable, convenient and physically available,” Berg said. “We shouldn’t micromanage the eating patterns of adults to try to achieve that goal.”
The other side:
This is part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said, “Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic disease epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long.”
What they’re saying:
Berg said that these changes, on top of cuts to the program nationwide, will increase hunger.
“It’s not that low-income Americans don’t want healthier food; it’s that they can’t afford healthier food,” Berg said.
This coincides with the announcement that there will be cuts to WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, which supplies food to mothers and young children.
“President Trump’s budget just announced that he’s proposing taking away fruits and vegetables from the WIC program for pregnant women and children under five,” Berg said. “So, they’re taking away healthier food.”
The WIC cuts would take away $1.4 billion in fruit and vegetable benefits from 5.4 million people.
Big picture view:
The SNAP changes come as part of the MAHA movement and include more than 20 other states that will implement changes over the next two years.
The Source: Information in this story comes from WIC, SNAP and interviews done by Fox 13’s Danielle Zulkosky.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — The engines are revving for one final day of high-stakes bidding and family fun at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auction reaches its grand finale today with an action-packed “Super Saturday” lineup, promising to close out the weekend with a full slate of collector car sales, live entertainment, and fan attractions.
“Super Saturday,” presented by Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, officially kicks off at 8 a.m. when gates, food courts, and the exhibitor marketplace open to the public.
What to expect
- 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: The Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge begins early, running in tandem with the automobilia auction in the arena.
- 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Thrill-seekers can catch Dodge thrill rides on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track.
- 10:00 a.m.: New amenities open to the public, including the Stella Artois, Staging Lanes, and Food Court patios, which offer shaded seating and auction views.
- 10:45 a.m.: The national anthem will be performed in the auction arena, signaling the start of the main collector car auction at 11 a.m.
- Afternoon Entertainment: DJ sets run from noon to 5 p.m. across the various patios, and a detailing clinic by Adam’s Polishes is scheduled for 2 p.m. near the South Showcase.
For those unable to attend, the whole event will be livestreamed throughout the day on the Barrett-Jackson website and the HISTORY channel from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Today’s finale comes on the heels of a high-energy Friday that saw significant sales and notable celebrity interest.
Star power was evident throughout the day, particularly with vehicles tied to the Busch family. A 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible owned by Samantha Busch and a 1969 Oldsmobile 442 Custom Coupe were among the day’s heavy hitters, each fetching $159,500. Kyle Busch’s 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Coupe also drew a strong bid, selling for $143,000.
Other Friday highlights included:
- 1968 Ford Mustang Eleanor Replica: $137,500
- 2004 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Mamba Edition: $132,000
- 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Custom SUV: $126,500
- 1957 Ford Thunderbird Custom Convertible: $121,000
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With a festival-style atmosphere and high-profile sales driving momentum, organizers expect a busy crowd for the final push at the auction block today.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A quiet Monday turned into a frantic race against time when a deputy stepped in to save a choking 1-year-old’s life.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call about a 1-year-old baby choking. Upon arrival, the responding deputy performed life-saving procedures to help the child breathe again.
See also: Two arrested after 6-year-old arrives at Florida school with bruises, deputies say
Body camera video shows a deputy holding the baby, flipping it over on its stomach, and beginning to pat the baby’s back.
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When the baby begins to cry, the deputy is heard saying, “he’s good.”
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