Florida Senate Passes Beach Access Bill

The Florida Senate passed a bill that would repeal a 2018 law restricting access to beaches after receiving numerous complaints about property owners stopping people from using beaches.

The 2018 law allowed property owners to remove people from dry sand behind their homes, but some private security guards were accused of removing people from below the waterline, or “wet sand,” as well.

The new bill also allows beach refurbishment projects to move forward without unanimous agreement from oceanfront property owners.

“Any new sand placed seaward of the erosion control line becomes public beach by law,” Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner said. “In Destin, if a major renourishment project moves forward, it could add 50 to 80 feet of new, guaranteed public beach in front of private properties—even if the gates behind it remain.“

SpaceX Increasing Florida Launches

SpaceX plans to ramp up Florida missions from 93 in 2024 to 120 in 2025, requiring greater coordination with air and sea traffic.

Space X plans to build a new booster landing site as well, increasing the risk of sonic booms in the area. The Federal Aviation Administration is accepting public comment on the changes through May 15.

Meanwhile, activity on Florida’s Space Coast continues as SpaceX sent a Falcon 9 rocket into orbit Thursday and released video of the liftoff. The rocket was carrying 28 Starlink satellites, which it released into orbit.

In addition, the Amazon rocket launch for Jeff Bezos’ Project Kuiper—Starlink’s competitor—has been rescheduled for Monday from Cape Canaveral. If weather permits, much of the East Coast should be able to see it.

Senate Democratic Leader Leaves Party

State Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo announced he was leaving the Democratic Party, calling it “dead,” and changing his registration to independent. The party will have to elect a new leader.

“The party that my dad volunteered for with JFK, when he was 18 years old in 1960, is not the party today,” Rizzo said.

Rizzo had been considered as a potential gubernatorial candidate ahead of next year’s elections. His move proved unpopular with Democratic leaders.

“Jason’s failure to build support within our party for a gubernatorial run has led to this final embarrassing temper tantrum,” said Nikki Fried, the chair of Florida’s Democratic Party.

➤ Lake City: Police arrested Justin Claridy, 25, accused of shooting into an Easter Sunday crowd just one day after his release from prison. (More)

➤ Polk County: Construction is underway on Florida’s first wildlife overpass. The bridge on I-4 will promote “genetic diversity” by reconnecting animal populations. (Details)

➤ Manatee County: Longboat Key officials are launching a new decal program to quickly identify residents and business owners and allow access after a hurricane. (More)

➤ Orlando: A police officer was arrested Wednesday for snatching a phone during a confrontation that occurred while he was off duty. (More)

➤ Clay County: Officials proposed a $100 million road project that will save commuters time and help emergency responders. (Details)

➤ The Orlando Magic defeated the Boston Celtics 95-93 in a back-and-forth affair in Game 3 of their playoff series to bring their series deficit to 2-1. (More)

➤ The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning will resume their playoff series at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, this afternoon at 1 p.m. The Panthers currently hold a commanding 2-0 series lead. (Preview)

➤ The Jacksonville Jaguars have confirmed that they plan to use No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter on both offense and defense next season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Bubble wizard Blaise Ryndes, a Land O’ Lakes native who’s been featured on America’s Got Talent, will bring his Cirque du Soleil-style show to Tampa on Sunday. (See Video)

➤ Sheriff’s deputies lassoed an alligator found in a pond at Parrish Community High School on Tuesday. (See Video)

➤ A 145-year-old farmhouse in Mandarin, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will be torn down, though its windows and doors may be salvaged. (See Photo)

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Friday’s Results:

Do you wear glasses or contacts?

1. Yes: 57%
2. Only to read: 26%
3. No: 17%

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