Kia returns to Super Bowl for third straight year
Kia, one of the most consistent Super Bowl advertisers, will promote its electric EV9 this year.
Florida lawmakers seek to ban kids under 16 from social media
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Legislature and social media giants are clashing in a high-stakes battle over whether children should be barred from some of the most popular platforms on the web, a fight that could ultimately land in court.
Lawmakers want to stop children under 16 from creating accounts on social media sites like Facebook and TikTok, likening those apps to casino gambling, cigarette smoking and drinking.
Florida House Speaker Paul Renner cited mounting concerns that social media is hurting the mental health of young people. He accused social media companies of hooking children with addictive features in pursuit of profit.
“This is no different than opioids,” the Palm Coast Republican said. “This is no different than tobacco. It rings very, very similarly to me, where companies are knowingly putting forth a harmful product that is taking the lives of young people, and they are doing nothing to stop it. That’s why we’re going to act.”
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned in May that social media can pose a risk to children’s well-being. His advisory notes potential benefits of social media, such as fostering a sense of community, but also harms that span from cyberbullying to content that perpetuates body dissatisfaction.
Florida government economists add billions to revenue projection
TALLAHASSEE — State economists on Tuesday increased general-revenue projections by about $2.18 billion for the current fiscal year and next year, giving a boost to lawmakers as they put together a new budget.
But more than $700 million of that increased revenue has already been allocated for things such as hurricane assistance and home-hardening programs.
Also, a long-range forecast projects mostly moderate annual revenue growth — 1.6 percent to 2.9 percent — after the current fiscal year ends June 30.
That could mean hard decisions as lawmakers push priorities with big price tags.
General revenue, which is made up of such things as sales taxes, plays a critical role in funding programs such as education, health care and prisons. A panel of economists, known as the Revenue Estimating Conference, meets periodically during the year to revise general-revenue estimates.
The projections released Tuesday replaced estimates issued in August and will be used by lawmakers in the coming weeks as they negotiate a budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, which will start July 1.
Developer plans active adult community at Lake-Orange county line
Taylor Morrison is planning to bring one of its resort-style Esplanade communities to Lake County’s Wellness Way area, according to a report in GrowthSpotter.
The Arizona-based homebuilder is under contract for the 358-acre McKinnon Groves subdivision right on the Lake-Orange County line. The developer submitted a preliminary plat to the county in 2022 for the 658-home neighborhood and recently filed construction plans with the St. Johns River Water Management District.
The project stretches from Hartwood Marsh Road south to Phil C. Peters Road. Lake County commissioners approved the rezoning in 2021 over the objections of nearby residents.
“We are excited about this project and continuing to pursue entitlements for this new community,” spokeswoman Erin Kristick said. “We are estimating to begin land development sometime during the 2nd half of 2024.”
Kristick said the plan initially was to pair up with another builder (Toll Brothers was named on the preliminary plat) and build 305 age-restricted homes. But now Taylor Morrison intends to build the entire project as an Esplanade active adult neighborhood. The plan calls for a four-phased development starting at Hartwood Marsh Road and moving south.
Guest commentary: Detroit vs. China battle is here
For Detroit to compete with the Chinese will require a monumental effort, guts, tenacity, innovation, daring and, yes, lots of luck.