Lawmakers in at least five states, including Florida, introduced bills this year to ask the USDA for permission to ban the purchase of certain kinds of food or drinks, such as candy and soda, with food stamps.
Florida & Beyond, and All Opinions
I Am An Enemy Combatant
The media has been the enemy since the earliest days of the Republic. But to be an enemy in America is what all of us at one point or another have been or will be. It is an American responsibility. It’s proof of our beloved American citizenship.
Support for Obamacare Reaches Record, Putting Repeal-Minded Lawmakers In a Bind
Overall support for the health law ticked up to 48 percent in February, the highest point since shortly after it passed in 2010. That was a 5-point increase since the last poll in December.
Weekend Briefing: Sheltering Tree Fund-Raiser, Family Fun Day, Native American Festival, Holland v. Renner II
The annual Native American Festival returns to Princess Place, a fund-raiser for the homeless shelter, the Bridge Building Program hosts a Family Fun Day, plus Mexico Flag Day.
Donald Trump’s New Deputy CIA Director: a Torturer Who Destroyed Evidence
Gina Haspel was deeply involved in the illegal torture of a prisoner at a secret CIA site, and when questions arose about the brutality, demolished 92 tapes that had documented the abuse.
Thursday Briefing: African-American Read-In at BTES, George Hanns Bridge, Emmanuel’s Closet’s Show
Belle Terre Elementary hosts its first annual African-American Read-In to mark Black History Month, George Hanns has himself a bridge at Princess Place, Emma Goldman speaks.
Wednesday Briefing: Closed-Circuit Traffic Cameras, Scenic A1A, Grand Living, Underachievers, Wind Energy
Palm Coast installs closed-circuit traffic cameras, the county’s economic opportunity council cheers for Enterprise Florida, how schools game underachievers, Scenic A1A.
On the Sad Prospect of CFO Jeff Atwater, Rare Government Royalty, Leaving Tallahassee
It’s going to feel strange without Jeff Atwater’s steady hand and keen mind in the Florida Capitol, writes Nancy Smith of a the state’s Chief Financial Officer, who is resigning to take a post at Florida Atlantic University.
Tuesday Briefing: Superintendent Search Committee, Autism Training for Cops, Malcolm X, Teen Suicide’s Decrease
The school board and the Palm Coast city council meet today (separately), the Legislature considers requiring autism training for Florida Department of Law Enforcement cops, how gay marriage lowered teen suicide.
As Gov. Scott Touts Latest Increase in Tourists, Visit Florida Critics Still Pounce on Spending
Visit Florida received $78 million from lawmakers for the current fiscal year that ends June 30. The Sunshine State attracted 112.8 million tourists in 2016. He credited the 5.86 percent increase from the prior year.