Latest news with #FloridaStatutes
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Did Florida end HOV lanes? What to know about changes to the diamond lanes
Inside the more than 150 new laws that went into effect this month was one small line in one bill: "Section 316.0741, Florida Statutes, is repealed." And with that, Florida's HOV lanes were struck down. HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes are lanes in public roadways reserved for vehicles with more than one occupant, or for hybrid and low-emission vehicles that are registered with the state. HB 1662, a wide-ranging transportation bill, removed HOV lanes from state law along with a variety of other changes including giving disabled veterans more specialty license plate choices and adding a more robust state framework for space flight development. Here's what to know. HOV lanes are intended to encourage carpooling and reduce traffic congestion by providing highway lanes limited to vehicles with a certain number of passengers or more. Sometimes the restriction is only for certain high-traffic times of the day. HOV lanes have diamond symbols along their length and signage listing applicable times and occupancy limits. Driving in an HOV without anyone else in the car was a moving violation and law enforcement shared stories of catching people driving with mannequins, dolls, stuffed animals, inflatable people and other workarounds. More recently, electric vehicles were added to the HOV lane list if they meet standards and are registered with the state. Florida's first HOV lane arrived in 1976, a 14-mile segment of Interstate 95 that eventually expanded to 21 miles between I-395 and I-595, according to a Department of Transportation report on managed lanes. HOVs were included in the federal Interstate Highway System Policy in 1991 and a 30-mile stretch of I-4 received an HOV lane during the morning and evening peak times. In 2015, former President Barack Obama signed the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), which, among many other things, allowed authorities to offer HOV access to low emission and energy efficient vehicles such as electric cars and hybrids if the driver pay a toll. The FDOT started selling HOV decals for such vehicles to enable them to use HOV toll lanes. However, that provision in the FAST Act was scheduled to end on Sept. 30, 2025, unless it was renewed. Meanwhile, HOVs have been fading in Florida since the development of express lanes — toll lanes that run alongside highways to provide a smoother drive, for a price — started under former Gov. Jeb Bush and dramatically increased under former Gov. Rick Scott, according to the Florida Phoenix. From 2008 to 2015, the Florida Department of Transportation converted the single HOV lanes on South Florida into two high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes going either direction. In 2023, FDOT converted HOV lanes along portions of I-95 from Broward County to Palm Beach County into non-HOV express lanes. The state also has been reducing or removing incentives to use electric vehicles as part of Florida's energy policy, which continues to emphasize fossil fuels. In 2024, DeSantis signed a bill (HB 1645) removing references in state law to climate change or greenhouse gas, banning offshore wind-energy generation in Florida, blocked cities and counties from approving energy policy restrictions, and repealing the state's renewable energy goals. The bill followed up on former Gov. Scott's repeal of the state's carbon-reduction goals. "We're restoring sanity in our approach to energy and rejecting the agenda of the radical green zealots," Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on X. More laws passed this year prohibiting local governments from banning or restricting appliances or watercraft based on what fuel or energy source they use and blocked FDOT from providing funds to transportation-related entities for projects or programs that conflict with the state's energy policy. The bill repealed all HOV mentions in Florida statutes and repealed authorization for the FDOT to sell HOV decals. It also repealed the tax exemption for EV and hybrid vehicles, but the agency said existing decals will be active until they expire. 'With recent changes this legislative session, there are updates to the toll exemptions for electric vehicles, Inherently Low Emission Vehicles (ILEV), and hybrid vehicles,' FDOT spokesperson Guillermo Alberto Canedo told 'As a result, no new exemptions or renewals for these vehicles will be issued after June 30, 2025. All exemption decals issued prior to this date will remain active for one year from issuance of the decal.' This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida repealed HOV lanes. What does this mean?
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
‘What are they hiding?' Florida lawmakers shut out of Alligator Alcatraz
In a surprising and possibly unlawful act, five state legislators were denied entry Thursday into a taxpayer-funded migrant detention center deep in the Everglades, raising questions about what will happen behind the razor-wire fences that are being erected surrounding the controversial facility the state has named Alligator Alcatraz. Armed only with state law and a growing list of humanitarian concerns, state Senators Shevrin Jones and Carlos Guillermo Smith, along with Representatives Anna V. Eskamani, Angie Nixon and Michele Rayner, arrived at the gates of the facility to conduct what they saw as a legally authorized inspection. What they encountered instead was silence, locked doors and a bureaucratic wall. The state's shifting justification for not letting them in — first a flat denial, then vague 'safety concerns' — only fueled suspicions. 'This is a blatant abuse of power and an attempt to conceal human rights violations from the public eye,' the legislators said in a joint statement. 'If the facility is unsafe for elected officials to enter, then how can it possibly be safe for those being detained inside?' Just hours earlier, Republican officials and even former President Donald Trump had toured the same site without issue. When the lawmakers attempted to speak with Florida Department of Emergency Management officials by phone, the call was abruptly cut off. Now, with reports of flooding, extreme heat and detainees allegedly being held without due process, legislators say the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis administration is operating a secretive, $450 million detention network with no oversight— and no regard for the law. The state legislators Michele Rayner arrived at the site to conduct what they said was a lawful inspection under Florida Statutes 944.23 and 951.225, which grant legislators access to state-operated detention centers without advance notice. Instead of transparency, they were met with locked gates and silence. Under Florida law, members of the Legislature have the clear right to access any state-run detention facility, including prisons and jails, without needing prior approval or notification. That legal mandate was ignored, according to Representative Michele Rayner, a civil rights attorney who represents parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. 'For two hours, we waited. We cited the law. We cited the press release announcing our visit. Still, we were denied,' said Rayner. 'They cited 'safety concerns,' even though just hours earlier President Trump and GOP lawmakers had toured the very same facility.' Rayner said that when she asked whether she could visit a client being detained inside, she was again refused—contradicting statements made to her moments earlier by Florida Department of Emergency Management officials. When legislators tried to clarify the denial with the agency's general counsel and legislative affairs director, the call was abruptly disconnected. 'This is America right now,' Rayner said. 'And everyone should be concerned.' The delegation's visit came just one day after migrants were transferred into the detention center despite flooding caused by ongoing summer storms. Lawmakers say they've received reports of extreme heat, poor infrastructure, and a lack of mosquito protection, conditions they say that may be endangering the health and safety of detainees. 'I was bitten by insects as soon as I got here. My lips started to swell. And I'm outside for just a few minutes,' said Rep. Angie Nixon of Jacksonville. 'Imagine what it's like for the people inside who don't have bug spray or clean bedding.' Nixon expressed particular concern over reports in the Miami Herald that pregnant women and children could be housed in the facility. 'We're spending $450 million on this while refusing to expand Medicaid and closing public schools in Duval County,' she said. 'This is not about public safety—it's about cruelty as campaign theater.' Smith did not mince words, calling the site a 'makeshift immigrant detainment camp in the middle of the Everglades swamp,' built through no-bid contracts awarded to major Republican campaign donors. 'This isn't about detaining dangerous criminals,' Smith said. 'It's about detaining housekeepers, cooks, and immigrants who had legal status five minutes ago—until it was stripped away by policy.' Smith referenced a Miami Herald story that revealed the state may bring pregnant women and children to the site, despite public claims that the facility was intended for 'the worst of the worst.' ICE data shows that fewer than 10% of current immigration detainees in Florida have any violent criminal history, and the majority had no prior offenses. 'We're detaining vulnerable people for political spectacle,' Smith said. 'And it's not a coincidence this facility was unveiled just days after our legislative session ended—avoiding any real oversight.' Jones added that the facility, built with $450 million in state funds, does not qualify for federal support. 'The federal government has said this facility is ineligible for grants,' he said. 'That means it's 100% on Florida taxpayers—and it was done without a single committee hearing or floor debate.' Jones emphasized that both Democratic and Republican lawmakers should be concerned. 'This is not a partisan issue,' he said. 'We have a duty to ensure that state-funded operations uphold basic standards of decency and legality.' Rep. Anna Eskamani from Orlando described the detention center as a 'political stunt' orchestrated by DeSantis. 'Hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent to build what is essentially a concentration camp,' she said. 'This is government by press conference and no-bid contract.' Eskamani said reports indicate that the first detainees arrived without due process, and flooding had already compromised parts of the facility. 'We're here because the people of Florida deserve transparency. What is being hidden behind these walls?' All five lawmakers said they plan to pursue legal remedies and initiate legislative inquiries into the construction, contracting, and operation of Alligator Alcatraz. They also demanded that the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the governor's office provide a full accounting of who is detained at the facility, what conditions exist inside, and which companies received contracts—particularly those with political ties to the DeSantis administration. 'This is not over,' said Smith. 'We will be back, and we will not stop until we get the answers Floridians deserve.'
Time Business News
13-06-2025
- Time Business News
Understanding the Legal Landscape of Child Pornography Manufacturing in St. Petersburg, FL
In recent years, the issue of the manufacturing of child pornography in St. Petersburg, FL, has garnered significant attention from law enforcement and the public alike. This grave offense not only violates the law but also inflicts profound harm on the most vulnerable members of our society—children. Understanding the legal framework surrounding this crime is crucial for both awareness and prevention. Manufacturing child pornography involves creating, producing, or directing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This can include photographs, videos, or digital images. Under Florida law, specifically Section 827.071 of the Florida Statutes, it's illegal to employ, authorize, or induce a child under 18 to engage in any sexual performance. Such actions are classified as second-degree felonies, carrying severe penalties. Law enforcement agencies in St. Petersburg have been actively pursuing individuals involved in child pornography offenses. For instance, in April 2025, a 45-year-old man named John Toberman was arrested for possessing over ten videos depicting child pornography on his cellphone. While this case pertains to possession, it underscores the broader issue of child exploitation in the area. The penalties for manufacturing child pornography are stringent. Under federal law, individuals convicted of producing child pornography face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, which can extend up to 30 years per count. Additional charges, such as distribution or possession, can lead to further legal repercussions. Beyond imprisonment, convicted individuals may be subjected to: Lifetime supervised release Mandatory sex offender registration Significant fines Forfeiture of assets used in the commission of the crime These consequences reflect the seriousness with which the legal system treats such offenses, aiming to deter potential offenders and protect children from exploitation. The digital age has, unfortunately, facilitated the spread of child pornography. Offenders often use cloud-based services, encrypted messaging apps, and other digital platforms to produce and distribute illicit content. Law enforcement agencies are continually adapting to these technological challenges, employing advanced tools and collaborating with tech companies to identify and apprehend perpetrators. Preventing the manufacturing of child pornography requires a collective effort. Community members play a vital role by staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activities. Educational programs aimed at parents, educators, and children can also help in recognizing and preventing potential exploitation. The manufacturing of child pornography is a heinous crime with far-reaching consequences. Understanding the legal implications and staying informed are essential steps in combating this issue. Through community engagement, technological vigilance, and stringent legal measures, we can work towards a safer environment for our children. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Journals
06-06-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
June 06, 2025 Legal Notices
NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME STATUTE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that the under signed pursuant to the 'Fictitious Name Statute, Chapter 865.09, Florida Statutes, will register with the Division of Corporations, Department of State, State of Florida upon receipt of this notice. The fictitious name, to-wit: PT Solutions Physical Therapy Race Track Road under which (we are) engaged in business at 12705 Race Track Road in Tampa, FL 33626. That the (party) (parties) interested in said business enterprise is as follows: AdventHealth Carrollwood at Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, on 05/30/2025, Hillsborough County, Tampa, FL. June 6, 2025 The administration of the estate of Van Daniel Fraysier a/k/a Van D. Fraysier, deceased, whose date of death was March 10, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Seminole County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 301 N. Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida 32771. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is June 6, 2025 Attorney for Personal Representative: Stacey A. Prince-Troutman, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 615471 Primary email: Secondary email: R. Dale Noll, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 98041 Primary email: Secondary email: Akerman LLP CNL Center II 420 South Orange Avenue, Suite 1200 Orlando, Florida 32801 Telephone: (407) 423-4000 Fax: (407) 254-4188 Attorneys for Personal Representative Personal Representative: Matthew Fraysier 144 Meriden Road Boonton, New Jersey 07005 June 6, 2025 June 13, 2025
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
What gambling is legal and illegal in Florida?
The Brief Gambling in Florida is highly regulated, with only specific forms allowed, such as pari-mutuel wagering, tribal casino games, the Florida Lottery, and penny-ante games under strict conditions. Illegal activities include unlicensed slot machines, online gambling, unauthorized lotteries, and operating unlawful gambling houses, all prohibited under Chapter 849 of the Florida Statutes. Penalties vary by offense and can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, or jail time. ORLANDO, Fla. - Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested Thursday on racketeering and conspiracy charges tied to an illegal gambling operation that generated over $21 million across Central Florida. Gambling is largely restricted in Florida due to the state's constitutional and legislative framework. According to the Florida Gaming Control Commission, the following forms of gambling are legal in the state: Pari-mutuel wagering on live and intertrack horse and jai-alai activities at licensed racetracks and jai-alai frontons. Casino gambling, including slots and table games, on certain Indian tribal lands. The Florida lottery games. Poker and Dominoes played for money, but only in a licensed cardrooms Penny-ante games including poker, pinochle, bridge, rummy, canasta, hearts, dominoes, and mah-jongg may be played outside a cardroom only if the winnings of any player in a single game do not exceed $10 in value. Slot machine gaming at one of the eight licensed pari-mutuel facilities located in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties. Bingo, sweepstakes, and drawings for chance, if they comply with state law. Under Chapter 849 of the Florida Statutes, the following activities are prohibited: Unlicensed Slot Machines: Operating or possessing slot machines outside of authorized facilities, such as tribal casinos or licensed pari-mutuel venues in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, is illegal. Unregulated Sports Betting: Engaging in sports betting, including bookmaking or wagering on athletic events, is prohibited unless conducted through authorized channels. Unauthorized Lotteries and Raffles: Conducting lotteries or raffles without proper authorization is illegal. Illegal Gambling Houses: Operating or maintaining a place for gambling activities without a license is a criminal offense. Unlicensed Poker Games: Hosting poker games that involve a rake or house fee without proper licensing is unlawful. Online Gambling: Participating in online casino games or poker through unlicensed platforms is prohibited. Sweepstakes Parlors: Operating establishments that mimic casino games under the guise of sweepstakes promotions is illegal. Illegal Bingo Operations: Conducting bingo games outside the scope of authorized charitable or nonprofit organizations is against the law. RELATED ARTICLE: Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez arrested on racketeering charges, officials say The Florida Gaming Control Commission has a map on their website where all legal Florida gaming facilities are listed. LINK: Locations In Florida, penalties for illegal gambling depend on the specific offense and the details of the case. Under Chapter 849 of the Florida Statutes, violations can range from misdemeanors to felonies and may result in significant fines, civil penalties, or imprisonment. For detailed information, consult Chapter 849 of the Florida Statutes, and consider speaking with an attorney for advice tailored to your situation. What we know A multi-agency investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and joined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) was launched in 2023. Officials say the investigation uncovered a criminal organization operating an illegal gambling enterprise throughout Central Florida, particularly in Lake and Osceola counties. Officials say the organization generated more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds. Following Lopez's election as Osceola County Sheriff in November 2020, investigators say he continued to advance the interests of the criminal organization and collected a portion of the illegal gambling proceeds for his involvement. RELATED ARTICLE: Who is Marcos Lopez, Osceola County Sheriff arrested on racketeering charges? What's next Lopez is being charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering, according to officials with the Federal Department of Justice (FDOJ) and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Colleen Monroe and Panagiota Papakos will prosecute the defendants in Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit. Lopez is currently being held in the Lake County Jail. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information gathered from the Florida Gaming Control Commission, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office website and shared by the Federal Department of Justice (FDOJ), Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
