News Cast for April 8th:
The Florida Farm Bill is getting support in Florida House and Senate committees this session.
The bill is sponsored by our representative Kaylee Tuck ® from Highlands County.
The bill would help Future Farmer of America (FFA) programs by allowing them to put facilities at public school campuses.
It would also prohibit drones from harassing livestock and farms on agriculture land.
Another provision would place stricter requirements on labels of processed foods.
The bill would also provide programs for farm worker housing.
The House Agriculture Subcommittee spent much of their time discussing the removal of fluoride from public drinking water systems.
“Fluoride in your drinking water reduces cavities for kids and adults by 25 percent. That may be true. What else reduces cavities? Not eating candy, not drinking soda, drinking more water. All these have one thing in common is its an individual decision by the consumer. We are absolutely going to pre-empt local government decision over individual decision and I will take that all day long.”
Democrats like Rep. Kelly Skidmore said they can’t vote for a bill that takes local control away and risks harm to Florida residents who are not able to make that choice for themselves.
Florida US Senator Rick Scott reintroduced the Senior Act.
It would recognize loneliness as a health concern, require a federal report to recommend efforts to mitigate its effects, and examine the relationship between family support, loneliness and senior health outcomes.
Grants would allow states to help with senior health care and support services, Scott said.
Experts have said loneliness can lead to increased risks of dementia, heart disease, stroke and premature death.
“Feelings of isolation and loneliness are rising dramatically especially under elderly Americans,” Scott added.
He said this issue impacts everyone and future generations will suffer the same impacts of isolation if the country doesn’t do something about it.
Scott also wants to raise awareness about the problem and also address the many scams that have targeted seniors and taken the life savings of many elderly residents in Florida.
“The internet and social media are great for many things but when isolated and lonely seniors turn to the internet for companionship and social interaction, they are far more likely to become victims of scams. It is heart breaking because this only fuels the cycle of negative outcomes for vulnerable, older Americans.”
Martin County and the city of Stuart can’t agree on an effort to bring a Brightline State to downtown Stuart.
A joint meeting or sort or mediation was scheduled to allow the two local governments to sit down and talk about the issue.
The deadlock is over the city wanting Brightline to pay for part of the station.
The current proposal has Martin County paying $15 million for the station with the balance being paid for through state and federal transportation grants.
The estimated price tag is $60 million.
The city has been reluctant to provide a letter of support to the county for grant applications which experts said would reduce the chances of receiving these grants.
Frank McCrystal said city taxpayers don’t want to pay for this station.
“The fairgrounds would be great. What is wrong with the fairgrounds? The city commission that allowed this 12th hour change that shifted the costs from Brightline and the county onto the backs of the city of Stuart were overwhelmingly rejected in the very next election.”
Commissioner Chris Collins said the city would support the deal if Brightline paid for half.
“The city cannot support a letter for the grant application where Brightline pays zero dollars in this public private partnership.”
Glades County is interested in selling land that used to house the Glades Inn on US 27 in Moore Haven.
County Manager Paul Carlisle said there has been some recent interest expressed for the property.
The commission would also support a general upgrade in the appearance of property along US 27.
Chairman Tim Stanley said he’d like to see the property developed.
“Put it back on the market. If we are not going to get something we really need, like a restaurant, I would want full market value. If is something we need like a hotel or a grocery store, I would be willing to lower the price.”