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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Federal judge permanently blocks part of Florida voter-registration law
A federal judge Wednesday issued a final decision blocking part of a 2023 Florida elections law that placed new restrictions on voter-registration groups, including preventing non-U.S. citizens from “collecting or handling” registration applications. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a permanent injunction against the part of the law that targeted non-citizens, saying it violated the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause. More from the News Service of Florida.
With big spending on horizon, Pinellas lands record tourist-tax haul
Pinellas County collected more than $14.6 million in tourist taxes in March — its most ever in a single month, tourism officials said Wednesday. The haul, collected from taxes on overnight stays at hotels and short-term rentals, bested the county’s previous high, from March 2023, by more than $1 million, according to county tourism bureau Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Jacksonville-based Patriot Rail names new CEO
A new CEO is set to take the helm at Patriot Rail. Brandy D. Christian was appointed as the new CEO for the Jacksonville-based operator of short line and regional freight railroads, according to a news release on Tuesday. Christian is set to join the company on June 17 and take the reins after a brief transition period. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Grand Tasting comes to Boynton Beach: City is hosting its first food and wine festival
Boynton Beach is joining the list of cities offering up culinary treats and tastings that highlight its restaurants, food trucks and vendors at its first food and wine festival. Taste of Boynton Beach debuts from 6-10 p.m., Thursday, May 16, at Centennial Park and will spotlight 15 food vendors and 18 restaurants during the evening of entertainment that will feature music, fire dancers, a photo booth and LED games. More from the Palm Beach Post.
Tampa Starbucks employees vote to unionize
Employees at a Starbucks in Tampa voted Tuesday night to unionize, making it the eighth location in Florida to organize. The local shop, which is on North Dale Mabry Highway and Linebaugh Avenue just outside the Carrollwood neighborhood, was one of five nationwide where employees voted to approve joining a union Tuesday. More from the Business Observer. and Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
Employee vs. independent contractor: An evolving definition
Are people who work with your business “independent contractors” or “employees?” It can be a constantly changing distinction depending on the current presidential administration. A new rule issued by the Biden Department of Labor (DOL) sought to establish independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). That regulation rescinds a rule from the Trump administration, which had in turn narrowed a definition established under President Barack Obama in 2015. [ Sponsored report]
Transportation
Central Florida expressways will let you drive on the shoulder
A first-of-its-kind approach to managing congestion in Florida will debut this summer on a pair of Central Florida expressways with the goal of helping motorists escape traffic jams more easily. The Central Florida Expressway Authority announced last week that flex lanes are coming to State Road 417 and State Road 429. Flex lanes allow drivers to pass accidents on the shoulder when overhead signs signal the lanes are open, according to CFX. CFX is the state agency that oversees the transportation network connecting Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Profile
A bumpy ride
Born in Miami in 1967, John Ruiz earned his bachelor’s from UM in 1987 and his law degree in 1991 from Nova Southeastern University in Davie in Broward County. He represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases, filed class action suits and mass torts and built a name on Spanish-language TV with his La Ley financial advice program. He acquired real estate and built businesses. At times, he encountered turbulence but his business trajectory trended upward.
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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