The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Steve Wilson

Florida recreational marijuana initiative has raised $66M

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(The Center Square) – Proponents of ballot initiatives that would legalize recreational marijuana and enshrine abortion rights in the Florida constitution have raised millions.

The two initiatives are among six that will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot and will require a 60% vote to earn a place in the state’s constitution.

Smart & Safe Florida is behind Florida Amendment 3, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative. It would allow residents age 21 or older the ability to purchase and consume marijuana for recreational, nonmedicinal purposes. 

According to the Florida Department of State, the political committee has raised $66.6 million toward the effort and has spent $54 million. 

Nearly $59.8 million since 2022 has come from one donor, Clearwater-based cannabis retailer Trulieve Cannabis. 

The two opposition groups, Florida Voters Against Extremism and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida Freedom Fund, have raised only $125,100. 

In 2016, Florida voters by 71%-29% adopted a medical marijuana initiative.

Amendment 4 would provide a constitutional right to abortion before a fetus was viable outside the womb, or if needed to protect a women’s health. 

Floridians Protecting Freedom is the group that is behind the initiative. According to state data, it has raised nearly $39.6 million and spent $23.2 million. 

The biggest donor is the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, an Oklahoma-based group that has contributed $5 million. Democrat activist Marsha Laufer has donated $4.6 million. 

Opposition groups such as Florida Voters Against Extremism and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida Freedom Fund have been swamped in the fundraising battle, raising only $368,650. 

The other four amendments on the ballot deal with various issues.

Amendment 1 would change school board elections to partisan beginning in November 2026. Amendment 2 would establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish. 

Amendment 5 would mandate an annual inflation adjustment for the value of the homestead property tax exemption. Amendment 6 would strike a constitutional provision providing public campaign financing for candidates who agree to spending limits.

Published August 14, 2024

Guns-rights group challenges ban on open-carry in Florida

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(The Center Square) – Gun Owners of America and the Gun Owners Foundation have filed a federal lawsuit in Florida that challenges the state’s ban on open carry of firearms.

“Florida lawmakers claim to be pro-gun, but year after year, they’ve refused to repeal the 1987 ban on open carry, leaving Floridians in the very anti-gun company of New York, Illinois, and California where this is also prohibited,” said Erich Pratt, Gun Owners of America’s senior vice president.

(Erich Schlegel/Getty)

“Governor Ron DeSantis has previously expressed support for open carry, but unfortunately, the Republican leadership in the Legislature in Tallahassee has made quite clear they have no intention of repealing this ban,” Gun Owners of America, a non-profit pro-Second Amendment lobbyist group based in California, said in a press release about the lawsuit.

In Florida, the open-carry is only allowed as a self-defense chemical spray or a non-lethal stun gun.

The ACLU has opposed open-carry laws.

“Open carry can disrupt the public square through the intimidating display of lethal weapons,” Florida ACLU said in 2021. “For example, in 2020, armed protesters forced the suspension of the activities of democratically-elected state legislatures in Michigan and Oregon.”

The ACLU didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.

In February 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law that allowed Florida residents to carry concealed weapons without a government-issued permit.

Published August 14, 2024

Report: Florida receives nation’s second-highest grade for religious liberty

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(The Center Square) — The Sunshine State ranks second in the nation for the protection of religious liberty, according to a new report from the Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy.

The report, “Religious Liberty in the States,” is a project that measures legal safeguards for religious liberty across the U.S. During a panel discussion on the report, Jordan Ballor, director of research at CRCD, was joined by project director Mark David Hall and associate director Paul Mueller.

A list of safeguards was used to measure and compare each state — including a state’s policies on absentee voting, general conscience, abortion refusal, sterilization refusal, contraception refusal, health insurance mandates, non-participation by clergy, religious entity refusal, public office recusal, for-profit business nonparticipation, clergy as mandatory reporters, houses of worship protected from closing, ceremonial use of alcohol by minors, religious freedom restoration act, childhood immunization requirements and excused absences for religious reasons.

The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Downtown Tampa. (Tony Arruza/Getty)

“Florida improved from number eight in the nation in 2023 to number two in 2024 because it passed general conscience and hospital protections,” Hall told The Center Square. “These laws ensure that medical professionals and institutions are not compelled to participate in medical procedures to which they have religious objections.”

Illinois, Florida, Montana and Arkansas are the top five states for religious freedom, with Mississippi and Ohio tied for fifth.

“The three most improved states this year are Montana, New Hampshire and Florida. These states saw double-digit improvements in how they protect religious liberty and we see that as very promising,” Mueller said.

According to the report, Florida improved by over 13%, moving into second place with an overall score of 73.2%, while Illinois is in first place with an overall score of 80.4%. Data further shows that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act is present in 50% of U.S. states.

The most prevalent safeguards are health insurance mandates, which are found in 89% of states, the immunization requirement exemption, which is in 88% of states and absentee voting, which is in 84% of states.

The report notes the Florida Legislature should be given significant credit for protecting religious freedom. Florida passed several new laws in the past year, namely to add additional protection and expand general conscience provisions intended to protect medical professionals.

A recent study from the Cato Institute, “Freedom in the 50 States,” ranked states based on several factors, including regulations around business, Second Amendment protections, drug legalization, incarceration rates and taxation. Overall, Florida ranks second behind New Hampshire.

Florida also ranks first fiscally for government consumption and government employment, while ranking first overall for being fiscally responsible. Florida comes in the middle of the pack for cash and security assets, health insurance and lawsuits.

Published August 14, 2024

Pinellas County approves Tampa Bay stadium deal

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(The Center Square) — The Tampa Bay Rays moved closer to getting a new stadium after the Pinellas County Commission approved the deal on July 30. County commissioners approved the redevelopment project by a 5-2 vote. 

Christopher Morel #24 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Tropicana Field on July 30, 2024. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty)

The project will be a collaboration between the city of St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Rays, which will include a multi-purpose stadium in the heart of the city’s Historic Gas Plant District.

The domed stadium will replace the existing 30,000-seat Tropicana Field and will be accompanied by a neighborhood revamp, new infrastructure and affordable housing. The district will also include restaurants, hotels, retail shops and medical space.

A total of $312.5 million in hotel taxes are being contributed to kick off construction — $287.5 million will start construction, while another $142 million will be spent on infrastructure.

View during a game at Tropicana Field on March 30, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. Construction for a new stadium could break ground as early as next year. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty)

“The economic growth stemming from this partnership with the city of St. Petersburg and the Rays will help fuel the Board’s future ability to fund key services in areas like law enforcement, housing, emergency response and more. It honors what was voted on by residents decades ago – keeping baseball in St. Petersburg for all Pinellas residents to enjoy,” Commission Chair Kathleen Peters said.

The collaboration between the county and Rays-Hines is set to be one of the biggest development projects in county history. It will cost approximately $1.6 billion for the city and over $2 billion in total.

Construction could break ground as early as next year. It is expected to generate more than $1.04 billion in tax revenue over the next 30 years, create more than 15,000 jobs and produce more than $400 million in economic output annually.

However, the project has been met with some pushback since it was announced. In April, a report from Florida TaxWatch raised concerns about the redevelopment project going over budget and urged officials to consider the risks closely before making a decision.

According to Florida TaxWatch, the city would invest $1.6 billion — this includes not only the stadium and supporting infrastructure but also $411 in lost property taxes and another $545 million in lost city revenue after the city sold 64 acres to Rays-Hines.

Pinellas County alone would lose $222 million in property taxes and there is no way to recover those funds, according to the report.

Published August 14, 2024

An experience they won’t forget

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(Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club raised $500 to cover the cost of member Shirley Willhite’s flight to escort veteran Bob Prairie to tour the memorials and monuments in Washington D.C., through Honor Flight West Central Florida. Prairie is a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy. Seventy-five veterans were recognized on the 50th Honor Flight to visit Arlington Cemetery, the Korean War and World War II memorials, the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Monument. The return flight at the St. Petersburg/Clearwater airport was greeted with applause, music and flag-waving. For more information about the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Overpass at U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 anticipated to help resolve traffic situation

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Planners with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced earlier this year an overpass is likely to be the best way to help resolve the traffic situation at the intersection of U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

The anticipated cost of the overpass was approximately $222 million when FDOT officials discussed plans for it in February. However, the cost has reportedly since increased to approximately $260 million. 

An overpass at the I-4 and S.R. 46 intersection in Sanford (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) agrees with FDOT that the intersection of U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 is one of the busiest in Pasco County. The MPO is the lead transportation-planning agency in Pasco County, serving the municipalities of Zephyrhills, San Antonio, St. Leo, New Port Richey, Port Richey and Dade City.

Approximately 124,000 vehicles travel through the intersection daily and that number is anticipated to increase to 176,000 by 2045, FDOT said.

The intersection also has been identified by FDOT as one that has a crash average higher than the state average. A total of 442 crashes were reported there from 2012 to 2016, in which 90% of the crashes involved property damage, while the remaining 10% involved injuries. A single fatal crash was reported during the five-year analysis period, according to FDOT. 

The intersection reconstruction is among the biggest projects on the work plan for Pasco County, according to Tania Gorman, MPO’s executive director.

FDOT is reportedly in the process of conducting a Project Development & Environment Study for the construction of the proposed overpass. Its current schedule calls for property to begin to be acquired in 2028 for the improvements to the intersection, according to Gorman.

The design of the proposed overpass is still being reviewed by FDOT but it could reportedly be similar to overpasses that have been constructed in other locations, such as the one at Roosevelt Boulevard and U.S. 19 in Pinellas County. That type of overpass would be for through-traffic with turns made at the ground level.

It’s anticipated FDOT will hold a public hearing regarding this proposed intersection improvement project during the fourth quarter of 2024. The design phase will be conducted between 2025-2027 and right of way acquisition will likely occur between 2028-2030.

Funding has not yet been obtained for the proposed intersection improvement project, according to FDOT. 

Published July 31, 2024

State officials predict Florida K-12 enrollment will continue to grow

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(The Center Square) — Florida economists have suggested that full-time enrollment in Florida’s schools has increased over recent years but still remains below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

The Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) held a two-part education estimating conference in late June and July for Florida’s Public Schools Capital Outlay Full Time Equivalent (COFTE) Membership — and forecasts show a small but steady increase in enrollments.

(kali9/Getty Images)

During the pandemic, enrollments in Florida schools decreased by 6% in the fall of 2020. While they have begun to increase, they remain 3% below their prior level. Economists noted that this is due to more school options being presented to parents, including homeschooling options and access to scholarships.

According to state data, full-time equivalent enrollment from pre-K through 12th grade had a total of 2.37 million students in 2022-2023, an increase of over 32,000 or 1.4% over the previous year.

This was, however, less than anticipated from the 2023 forecast, and EDR economists pointed out more parents are choosing a different setting for kindergarten.

“The take-home point here is that kindergarten came in less than anticipated, which is a reflection of families choosing a non-COFTE setting for their kindergartener,” Elizabeth Goodman from EDR said during the conference.

The conference projected in 2023-2024, student numbers will again increase by 0.2% or 3,774 full-time students. Into the future, enrollment is forecast to continue growth trends, projected to grow by 0.5% in 2024-2025, and 0.7% in 2025-2026.

State Pre-K numbers only include preschool-aged children with disabilities and children whose parents are in the Teenage Parent Program. Estimates also do not include children participating exclusively in the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program who receive services through the public school system.

School districts were invited to submit comments on the June forecast between July 2 and July 12. Five school districts — Hernando, Brevard, Flagler, Osceola and St. Lucie — requested workbooks.

Flagler requested a change to the conference’s forecast model, asking to use the two most recent years. Flagler’s preliminary forecast was 12,112.39 membership. The district’s new forecast for the projected 2024-2025 is now 12,242.64 membership, and the conference adopted it.

Published July 31, 2024

Strategies for students to prepare for the upcoming school year

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Throughout the summer, students had the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge. But with the end of summer approaching, here are some strategies students can still use to set themselves up for success in the upcoming school year. 

1. Set clear goals
Before the new school year starts, it’s helpful for students to set clear academic and personal goals. This could include improving in a specific subject, developing a new skill or achieving a personal milestone. By outlining what they hope to accomplish, students can create a focused plan for their summer.

2. Review and refresh
The last few weeks of summer is an ideal time for students to review what they learned during the past school year. Picking up where they left off with subjects they found challenging can help them retain knowledge and build a stronger foundation. Many students find it useful to use online resources or educational apps to brush up on key concepts.

(Klaus Vedfelt/Getty)

3. Read for pleasure and knowledge
Reading isn’t just for enjoyment — it can also be a powerful tool for academic preparation. Students can explore books related to their upcoming coursework or delve into genres that spark their interest. This not only enhances their reading skills but also broadens their knowledge base.

4. Develop study habits
With free time, students can experiment with different study techniques, create a study schedule and set up a dedicated study space. These habits will be invaluable when the school year begins, helping students manage their time and stay organized.

5. Engage in enrichment activities
Participating in enrichment activities can be both fun and educational. Students might consider attending workshops or taking online courses related to their interests. Whether it’s coding, art, sports or another field, these activities can help students develop new skills and interests.

6. Work on time management
Learning to manage time effectively is a crucial skill for academic success. Students can practice this by developing a schedule that balances relaxation with productivity. Setting aside specific times for study, leisure and chores can help them establish a routine that will benefit them during the school year.

7. Practice self-care
Preparing for the school year also involves taking care of oneself. Students should focus on maintaining a healthy balance between work and play, ensuring they get adequate rest, eat well and stay active. Self-care practices, like mindfulness or exercise, can improve overall well-being and readiness for the upcoming challenges.

8. Explore future interests
Having free time is great for students to explore their future interests. Whether it’s through internships, volunteer work, or job shadowing, gaining experience in areas they are passionate about can provide valuable insights and help them make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

9. Connect with peers
Reconnecting with classmates or making new friends in the last weeks of summer can ease the transition back to school. Students can participate in community events, join study groups or engage in online forums related to their interests. Building these connections can foster a supportive network that enhances their school experience.

10. Organize and plan
Getting organized before the school year starts can make a big difference. Students can prepare by organizing their study materials, setting up their backpack and ensuring they have all the necessary supplies. Planning ahead for school projects or extracurricular activities can also reduce stress when the new year begins.

The end of summer offers a valuable opportunity for students to prepare for the upcoming school year in a way that balances productivity with relaxation. By setting goals, reviewing academic material, developing study habits and engaging in enriching activities, students can enter the new school year with confidence and enthusiasm. A well-prepared student is not only ready for academic challenges but also equipped to enjoy a successful and fulfilling year ahead.

Published July 31, 2024

One million Floridians have been disenrolled from Medicaid since 2023

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(The Center Square) — Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows over 1 million Floridians were disenrolled from Medicaid since 2023, primarily for administrative reasons.

As of July 12, over 24 million U.S residents have been disenrolled from Medicaid.

The federal government asked states to provide continuous Medicaid coverage to those enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic, even if their circumstances changed, making them ineligible for coverage.

(Spotmatik/Getty)

Since the pandemic came to an end, Medicaid allowed a year for states to transition back to normal operations. Florida began unwinding Medicaid enrollments in 2023.

According to KFF’s Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker, Florida had 1.9 million residents disenrolled from coverage, while 3.1 million have had coverage renewed. Data shows around 64% were terminated for procedural reasons, while 36% of Floridians were found to be ineligible.

Before sending a renewal form or requiring documentation from an enrollee, federal rules specify that states are required to complete administrative renewals, also known as ex parte, to verify ongoing eligibility using available data.

In Florida, 32% of enrollees had coverage renewed through ex parte, while the remaining 68% had Medicaid coverage renewed through a renewal form. Net Medicaid enrollment declines for Florida from 2023 to July 12 was about 24%.

In the neighboring state of Georgia, approximately 792,000 people were disenrolled, while the state renewed coverage for almost 1 million people.

Alabama disenrolled roughly 369,000 people and renewed coverage for approximately 745,000, while Mississippi disenrolled 148,000 people and renewed coverage for 434,000 others.

The Foundation for Government Accountability released a report on the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act — also known as ObamaCare — to include able-bodied individuals, which will push up spending even further.

“Surging enrollment has led to skyrocketing spending. In 2013, taxpayers spent $406 billion on the Medicaid program,” the report states. “A decade later, total Medicaid spending has more than doubled, reaching nearly $874 billion.

“Medicaid now consumes nearly one-third of states’ non-capital budgets and is growing nearly twice as fast as state tax revenues. Expanding Medicaid in non-expansion states would burst already tight budgets and kick millions off of private insurance.”

Florida is currently a non-expansion state and provides over two million low-income people with health plans with no out-of-pocket premiums or deductibles.

Published July 31, 2024

DeSantis: Florida’s tough-on-crime policies are necessary

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(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the Florida Sheriffs’ Association Summer Conference on Wednesday and said the Sunshine State does not allow criminals to run amok.

DeSantis pointed out that in other states, leadership is cutting police resources and are allowing illegal migrants to form criminal gangs that loot businesses with no consequences.

“CNN of all places was investigating illegal aliens that would create criminal rings, and they were stealing and looting a lot of places in New York City,” DeSantis said. “It turned out that when they would get the proceeds of this, they would try to wanna come down to Florida to spend the money. Someone asked them from CNN, why don’t you steal in Florida? They said because in Florida, they put you in jail.”

(ATU Images/Getty)

DeSantis noted that if you want a lower crime rate, you have to have good policies, and if Florida enacted some of the laws seen in states like Illinois, California or New York, law enforcement would be “kneecapped.”

An example is Illinois’ abolishment of cash bail, which he says makes it easier for criminals to get back out on the street. DeSantis said this policy has already been tried and failed in New York.

“Los Angeles defunded police by $175 million, San Francisco has reduced by $120 million for police budget. NYPD has gone a billion due to budget cuts, basically since 2020 that’s happened. Washington D.C., our nation’s capital…homicides up 30%, motor vehicle theft up 103%, robberies up 70% and violent crime up 40%,” DeSantis said.

According to DeSantis, the increasing crime rate in D.C. is reportedly costing over $3 billion annually, and this debt then falls on the taxpayers.

“We’ve seen examples of what’s happened, and we’ve done the opposite in Florida, and we’re better off for doing the opposite in Florida,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis noted that because the state budget is fiscally sound, it allows room to include huge support for law enforcement.

“A lot of these states that are doing poorly, you know they’re not even fiscally solvent as is, and so if anything more happens, they’re gonna be in big big trouble,” DeSantis said.

Meanwhile, Florida is offering recruitment bonuses of up to $5,000 to law enforcement officers who relocate from other states while encouraging veterans and the younger generation to choose law enforcement as a career.

Published July 31, 2024