Category: Florida News

Why Most States Are Struggling to Regulate Airbnb

May 8, 2018

Competing constituencies help account for the difficulty states have had in regulating and taxing the short-term rental industry, even as some cities have taken action to regulate short-term rentals.  RouteFifty.com notes the Stateline article. https://www.routefifty.com/management/2018/05/states-struggle-to-regulate-airbnb/148001/

Tree trimming seen as key as hurricane season nears

May 7, 2018

Fallen trees and uncollected debris stacked along roads were among the biggest impediments — along with traffic, wind and flooding — to power restoration following Hurricane Irma, according to officials from Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric, …

Customers clamor for “undergrounding” during PSC storm-hardening workshop

May 7, 2018

Large electric customers and local governments complained about communications meltdowns and urged large-scale “undergrounding” of Florida’s electric infrastructure, FloridaPolitics.com’s Michael Moline reports. http://floridapolitics.com/archives/262804-customers-clamor-for-undergrounding-during-psc-storm-hardening-workshop

NTSB confirms local, federal criminal investigation into FIU bridge collapse

May 7, 2018

A lawyer for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has told a Tallahassee judge that “at least two federal agencies” and Miami-Dade police are pursuing criminal investigations into March’s collapse of a pedestrian bridge at the Florida International University campus.  Jim Rosica reports for FloridaPolitics.com. …

After Maria, Puerto Ricans find new home in Marion County

May 7, 2018

Since December, many Puerto Rican residents who first landed in Orlando have continued north. Area officials say the migration to North Central Florida has escalated since late 2017.  Joe Callahan reports for the Ocala Star Banner. http://www.ocala.com/news/20180506/after-maria-puerto-ricans-find-new-home-in-marion-county

Florida Supreme Court says red-light cameras still legal

May 7, 2018

Local governments can still use red-light cameras to catch traffic violators, the Florida Supreme Court ruled unanimously last week, resolving conflicting lower courts’ decisions on how the devices should be used in ticketing traffic infractions.  The Tampa Bay Times’ Elizabeth …