Federal Court Upholds Social Media Law

A federal judge denied a request to block a 2024 Florida law restricting kids under 16 from certain social media platforms, ruling that industry groups did not have legal standing to challenge the measure.

The motion was filed by tech industry groups, whose members include Google and Meta, contending that the law violates First Amendment rights.

While the preliminary injunction ruling does not end the case or address the First Amendment question, it was a win for the law’s supporters, who argue that addictive social media platforms harm children.

Violations could cost companies up to $50,000 each, plus lawsuits from parents. Although set to take effect in on January 1, enforcement was paused after the state agreed to wait for the judge’s ruling.

Thoroughbred Racetrack Decoupling Moves Forward

Despite strong public opposition to allowing Thoroughbred racetracks to operate casinos and cardrooms without holding live races, the Florida House Commerce Committee voted 13-7 on Monday in support of the legislation.

At the hearing, Rep. Adam Anderson outlined amendments to the bill championed by 1ST/Racing, the Stronach Group entity operating Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

Anderson said the revised bill allows Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs to operate live racing separately from their gaming operations but adds a “trifecta of support to the Thoroughbred industry.”

The committee also heard from 16 members of the Florida Thoroughbred community who oppose the bill, including veterinarians, trainers, owners, breeders, sales company executives, and family members of farm owners.

Florida Beach Towns Among Best in the South

According to Southern Living magazine readers, 19 of the 50 best beach towns in the South are in Florida, with three in the top 10. You can see the full list here.

Sanibel Island, at No. 6, is the highest-ranked Florida location, known for having no stoplights or high-rises on the island. St. Augustine Beach, at No. 7, was the favorite small town of the magazine’s readers in 2023.

At the top of Florida’s northernmost isle, No. 10 Fernandina Beach is the main attraction on quiet Amelia Island. The town’s 52-block historic district offers Victorian mansions, seafood shacks, and a lively arts scene.

Three of the Southern towns that ranked highest are in Georgia: St. Simons Island (No. 1), Tybee Island (No. 4), and Jekyll Island (No. 5). Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (No. 2) in Alabama and Hilton Head Island (No. 3) in South Carolina round out the group.

➤ Tallahassee: The SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon capsule splashed down off the Florida coast at 5:58 p.m. on Tuesday carrying the once-stranded astronauts. Commander Nick Hague captured the moment saying, “What a ride. I see a capsule full of grins, ear to ear.” (See Photos)

➤ Florida’s rate of flu spread remained “moderate” over the past week, according to the CDC’s weekly data. The rate of the spread of flu and flu-like activity has declined in 66 of the state’s 67 counties. (More)

➤ Statewide: Lawmakers are considering allowing accessory dwelling units, or “granny flats,” in residential zones to combat the ongoing shortage of affordable homes in the state. (More)

➤ Palm Beach: President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate was warned of “rapidly spreading wildfires” on Monday, as the county issued a red flag warning for the first time in over two years. (See Details)

➤ Panama City Beach: The Bay County Tourist Development Council will offer $3 million to Okaloosa County to sink the decommissioned ship S.S. United States closer to the city, aiming to attract visitors. (More)

➤ Flagler County: The FAA determined that a large chunk of ice that fell from the sky onto the roof of a home in February did not come from an airliner. (See Details)

➤ The Miami Heat dropped their eighth consecutive game on Monday night, losing 116-95 to the New York Knicks. The Heat were outscored by 23 points in the second half. (More)

➤ The Miami Marlins have scrapped their plans for a first-of-its-kind practice squad initiative after MLB expressed concerns that it conflicted with the current roster rules and labor practices. (More)

➤ The Miami Dolphins have signed 2022 All-Pro punter Ryan Stonehouse. Stonehouse holds the record for the longest punt average in a season. (More)

➤ College sports are important in Florida, and the future of name, image, and likeness policies are important to college sports. Sign up for NIL Wire to stay informed.

Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | MLB | NCAAM | NCAABB | NCAASB | Soccer 

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ ​Experience unparalleled comfort and freedom with Barestep Active 2.0 barefoot shoes. Designed to emulate natural foot movement, they feature a wide toe box, zero-drop sole, and ultra-flexible design. Ideal for those seeking relief from foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or neuropathy, these shoes promote improved posture and foot strength. (Shop Now)

➤ Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Monday that while previously announced job growth nationally has commonly been revised down from original reports, Florida’s job growth was understated by 162,000 jobs over the past year. (More)

➤ Forever 21 parent company F21 OpCo filed for bankruptcy Sunday and called for a “full wind-down of operations” and an end to all of its businesses in the U.S. There are 23 locations in Florida. (More)

➤ Golf legend Greg Norman has invested in an Orlando-based golf app that allows people to book caddies on-demand. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ ​Introducing the Cordless MiniSaw: a lightweight, compact mini chainsaw designed for effortless cutting and trimming. With a powerful 21V rechargeable battery and high-quality guide chain, it cuts through 3-inch logs in about 4 seconds. Ideal for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, it’s perfect for all your landscaping projects. (Shop Now)

Flying together with our sponsor

Are you taking advantage of your Amazon Prime perks?

Free music/podcasts, access to lightning deals, and Whole Foods discounts are just a few of the many lesser-known perks that Amazon Prime has to offer. Make sure you’re not missing out, and get the most out of your Prime membership with help from our deal-finding experts.

Whether you’re already a Prime member or considering signing up, here are 10 Prime member benefits you should be using!

➤ An Orange County deputy jumped a 6-foot fence to save an English bulldog from a house fire. (See Video)

➤ The Palm Beach International Boat Show will run from March 19-23 and feature 200 super yachts, a record number. (Buy Tickets)

➤ Orlando’s Richard Lustig could be considered the luckiest lottery winner ever. He’s won seven jackpots in his lifetime. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Prioritize your personal wellness with LMNT. Our zero-sugar, electrolyte-rich drink mix is crafted to support hydration, energy, and recovery. With the perfect balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, LMNT helps you feel your best anytime, anywhere. Stay balanced, stay energized, and stay well with LMNT. Right now get a FREE sample pack with any order to help you discover new flavors you’ll love. 

Will the University of Florida make it to the final four of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I don’t know

Tuesday’s Results:

Will you clean out a closet for National Clean Out Your Closet Week?

1. No: 49%
2. Yes: 29%
3. More than one: 22%

Which team did the Florida Gators defeat in the 2007 NCAA men’s basketball tournament final?

Show me the answer