Florida Traffic Deaths Rise, Newsom vs. DeSantis, Suicides Decline for Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and more...
July 15th, 2022 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
Welcome to the this week’s edition of Floridian Today, a newsletter about all things Florida — from politics, business, real estate, and climate. These are the most important stories in the Sunshine State that you need to know. If you’d like to sign-up to never miss an update, you can do so here:
Here is what’s happening in Florida…
Traffic Deaths in Florida Soar
2021 was a deadly year to be on the road in the Sunshine State, especially in the Tampa Bay area, according to Signal Four Analytics. Last year, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Polk counties all saw a spike in deadly crashes, with traffic deaths surging 48% in Pinellas County and 28% in Hillsborough County — two of the region’s most populated counties. In total, 800 people, including pedestrians, were killed on the road in the greater Tampa Bay region. Nationally, an estimated 43,000 people were killed on a U.S. road in 2021 — the highest in 16 years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is about 10.5% higher than in 2020 and also accounts for the largest annual percentage increase since 1975, when the government began recording data. However, traffic deaths in Florida represented a greater surge than the national average as fatalities jumped 13% or 3,753 people killed. Experts attribute the rise in deaths to people driving more miles and spending more time on the road than in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic slashed commutes to work and kept more people home. But some say that the pandemic’s impacts on more flexible work schedules and overall reduced congestion has changed traffic patterns and driver’s behaviors. With less heavy traffic, vehicles travel at higher speeds and is directly linked to both increased traffic and pedestrian deaths. Distracted driving is also a contributing factor. Other transportation planning organizations and advocacy groups say the lack of sidewalks, medians, and streetlights on many of the most traveled roadways are also to blame.
Battle of the Governors
On Fourth of July weekend, California Governor Gavin Newsom aired a critical ad in Florida against Governor Ron DeSantis and recent state initiatives that restrict abortion and voting access, among others. The 30-second TV advertisement features Gov. Newsom criticizing DeSantis and his support of newly enacted laws that limit women’s abortion rights, impose voting restrictions, and forbids classroom instruction on sexual orientation, gender and critical race theory. “Freedom, it’s under attack in your state. Republican leaders, they’re banning books, making it harder to vote, restricting speech in classrooms, even criminalizing women and doctors,” Newsom says as images of DeSantis and former President Donald Trump are featured. He urged Floridians to fight for their freedom, or move to his state 'where [they] still believe in freedom' — rather ironic considering California has been shedding residents for years and is one of the top states contributing to Florida’s rapid population growth.
The ad, which was paid for by Newsom’s re-election campaign, makes reference to DeSantis signing the "Parental Rights in Education" bill that prohibits public school teachers in grades K-3 from teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity. It also mentions the more restrictive voting measures signed into law last year that limits ballot drop-box hours and compels voters to request mail-in ballots every year. DeSantis and advocates say the restrictions will suppress voter fraud. And of course, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent reversal of Roe v. Wade, Newsom called attention to the front and center issue of abortion in the Sunshine State. In April, DeSantis signed a legislation that prohibits abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy without exception for rape or incest. The law took effect on July 1st. Meanwhile, California has worked to protect women’s healthcare rights and shield abortion providers from liability or prosecution for providing out-of-state abortions.
DeSantis responded to Newsom’s ad during a news conference in Cape Coral, referencing the influx of Californians flocking to the Sunshine State and condemning the California governor and his handling of COVID-19. He touted his stance against lockdown restrictions, contrasting that with such policies in California, and slammed the soaring crime rates in the Golden State. “We would never allow what’s happened in places like San Francisco and L.A., where these areas have been destroyed with drugs and crime and the homeless to happen,” DeSantis said. “But let’s just be clear, California is driving people away with their terrible governance,” he added.
Governor Newsom’s strategy to run a TV commercial in a red-state, on the other side of the country, that has a Republican-led state legislature, and has pursued bold, anti-woke policies, raises questions about his future political ambitions. Newsom has previously said that he has no interest in running for president, but many see the Democratic governor as one day running for higher office. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. DeSantis is touted as a likely GOP presidential candidate in 2024.
Suicides Decline for Sunshine Skyway Bridge
One year after fencing was installed to deter suicides along the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the results show a dramatic decrease in suicide attempts along this stretch of highway, according to officials. Tampa Bay’s iconic Sunshine Skyway, standing at a peak height of 190 feet, has attracted unwelcome attention from people seeking to end their lives for decades. Since about 2010, the bridge has averaged 12 to 15 suicides a year with others contemplating suicide atop the bridge intercepted by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). In 2018, the bridge reached a record of 18 deaths in 2018, surpassing the previous record of 13 in both 2003 and 2017. Now, with the new steel mesh fencing in place since last June, those numbers have declined to just two, per the Florida Highway Patrol. Officials say that the 11-foot barrier has achieved its intended purpose and has served as an effective deterrent, but it’s not perfect in preventing 100% of suicides or dissuading all individuals. FHP troopers tasked with monitoring and responding to calls along the bridge have logged several suicide attempts this year. If anything, the roughly mile-and-a-half fencing along the Skyway’s highest points gives first responders more time to arrive and intervene. In the last 12 months since completion, the Highway Patrol received eight calls of a potentially suicidal subject on the bridge and were able to intercept each individual.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) previously dismissed calls to install netting or vertical barriers to deter suicides from the Skyway Bridge for years, including pleas from victim’s families. FDOT expressed some concerns that nets could sling jumpers back onto the highway and into traffic, trap wildlife and litter, impede the operation of bridge inspection equipment, and ruin the bridge's iconic appearance and spectacular views of Tampa Bay. With vertical barriers, such as fencing, transportation officials previously said they were not aware of a fence system that could allow for vehicle-mounted extension arms that reach under the bridge to conduct regular and necessary inspections. There was also additional red tape FDOT would have to navigate as approval of any suicide mitigation system that includes the building of additional structures along the Skyway would involve structural analysis and an environmental study. In addition, coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office would be required to ensure compatibility with the bridge's unique design. However, FDOT was more supportive of installing technology that could detect pedestrians and stopped cars, quickly alerting authorities to potential jumpers. It implemented these technology features in the past few years and they have saved lives. The 1-year-old steel mesh fencing adds a further layer of protection to people wishing to take their own life.
NEED HELP? If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for 24/7, free and confidential support. Help is also available online by visiting: suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay can also be reached by dialing 2-1-1, or online at crisiscenter.com.
Charlie Crist’s Affordable Housing Plan
Democratic candidate for governor Charlie Crist has unveiled his affordable housing proposal to tackle Florida’s housing crisis — one of the most salient issues affecting Floridians. Crist’s platform focuses on curbing the role of real estate investment firm’s in driving up costs by bidding above market price on homes and pushing prospective buyers out of competition. Under the plan, limits would be imposed on the number of single-family rental properties investors can own in specific markets and properties purchased by investment companies that sit unoccupied would be taxed. The candidate, who also serves as Congressman for CD-13, also wants to appoint a “housing czar” to work with local governments in addressing soaring prices.
Large real estate investment firms — most based outside of the state — are largely responsible for the current housing climate in the Sunshine State that has become out of reach for many first-time homebuyers. Their aggressive manner in purchasing properties and outbidding ordinary buyers are draining the housing supply, resulting in escalating prices. In fact, in Duval County, 25% of all single-family homes are owned by investment companies, according to the County Property Appraiser. As Florida’s next governor hopeful, Charlie Crist would like to crack down on what he views as illegal and anti-competitive practices by these actors. One of his proposals includes an increase on the documentary stamp tax for investment firms buying single-family homes to disincentivize real estate transactions by making them more costly. The tax revenue levied would help support the state’s Sadowski funds that provide affordable housing programs and is largely funded by documentary stamp tax fees from real estate transactions. Crist’s plan to tackle Wall Street’s influence on the affordable housing crisis is part of his “Affordable Florida for All” platform that he announced in January. As part of the plan, the Democratic candidate has proposals aimed at lowering the cost of property and auto insurance, as well as addressing utility rate hikes.
DeSantis’ Sets Sights on National Fundraising
As speculation has circulated of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential ambitions, the high-profile Republican is planning a private fundraiser in Utah next week with wealthy GOP donors. This latest news gives further credence to the belief that DeSantis will run for the White House in 2024. Details of the private fundraising event are scare as his campaign is trying to limit the amount of attention it receives. His campaign spokeswoman said they don’t “discuss private fundraising events with members of the press.” The event will be privately hosted and unaccessible to the media. Traveling thousands of miles from his home state to raise campaign contributions is a telling sign that DeSantis, who is running for reelection as Florida’s governor. has his eye on national office. While he hasn’t made any declaration of running for president, the Republican darling hasn’t said he’s not running for Commander-in-Chief. If DeSantis does decide to make a bid for the presidency in 2024, it could pit him against former President Donald Trump — setting up an interesting primary race. Trump has yet to make any announcement formal, but is rumored to make a decision in fall, likely preempting DeSantis from challenging him in the Republican primary.
Non-Stop Flights from Tampa to London
Travelers will soon be able to criss-cross the Atlantic Ocean en route to London without a layover via Virgin Atlantic. The British airline announced that it is expanding its transatlantic flight offerings with a new, non-stop route from London Heathrow to Tampa International Airport. The non-stop flights will launch November 3rd with plans to expand to daily service by the end of the month. Virgin Atlantic’s new route will be first and only non-stop connection between London and Tampa Bay.
St. Pete City Council Approves $1.47 million in Rental Assistance for City Employees
The St. Petersburg City Council voted unanimously to provide $1.47 million in annual rental assistance to the lowest-paid City employees who are required to live in St. Petersburg. Eligible employees must make a salary less than $48,000, have a household income of 120% or less of the area median income, and be required to live in the City limits as part of their position, due to a workers’ union negotiation in the 1990s. These requirements leave 246 employees left to qualify, receiving a stipend up to $500 per month toward housing costs beginning in October. The exact amount of financial assistance would depend upon the household income. The extra bonus would provide City workers who must live in St. Petersburg a boost in a City where the average price of a one-bedroom apartment is more than $1,600 a month.
Tampa Tackles Litter with New Campaign
The City of Tampa is taking on litter with its newly launched campaign, “Keep It Clean, Tampa.” Tampa’s waterways, parks and neighborhoods remain the focus of this anti-litter initiative that is aimed at encouraging the community to unite in the fight against trash and debris. To highlight this effort, Mayor Jane Castor, City leaders, and community members joined on Saturday to unveil a specialized “trash boat” that is designed to cleanup trash floating in Tampa Bay and along the waters of the Hillsborough River and Davis Island. The vessel, “Little Skimmer” will be operated by Tampa’s Solid Waste Department and run four days per week as Mayor Castor makes reducing litter a priority of her administration. The City of Tampa, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, and neighborhood leaders also organized a joint volunteer cleanup event on Saturday that concentrated on Cheney Park, Borrell Park, Gadsden Park, and Grant Park.
Walmart Delivers Groceries Direct to Your Fridge
Walmart InHome grocery delivery service has launched in Tampa, Miami, and Orlando, taking delivery a step beyond leaving your shopping list at your door. Instead, customers can now have delivery drivers walk into their homes and place groceries directly into their refrigerators. Walmart expanded its InHome delivery service to these Florida markets on July 6 and is available to Walmart+ customers who wish to opt-in. How does it work? Customers place an order by shopping Walmart.com or on the Walmart app for items eligible for store delivery and select InHome as their delivery option. Upon delivery, an InHome associate uses a one-time access code via the smart lock on the customer’s door to gain access. Associates wear a camera on their vest that records the entire delivery, which homeowners can access from their phone for a week after delivery. Walmart says 100% electric vehicles will be used for delivery. The company is also set to launch drone deliveries to select Florida markets by the end of the year.
Plans Canceled for High-Speed Rail Station at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World has nixed plans for a Brightline high-speed rail station that was previously planned for Disney Springs and would connect guests from Orlando International Airport and other destinations in South Florida. The proposed line was included a stop at Walt Disney World Resort and travel along I-4 to Tampa. However, the business community in tourist-heavy areas of Orlando such as along International Drive and even Universal Orlando Resort wanted a stop near the Orange County Convention Center before continuing to Disney. The Walt Disney Co. is said to have canceled the multi-million dollar project due to “the new route configuration” that “does not support a Disney Springs station,” according to a Disney spokesperson. Instead, the high-speed rail will now connect International Drive to Tampa. With stops in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, this would be Brightline’s first expansion outside South Florida and the first station in the region.
Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Home is on the Market in Clearwater
A Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home has been listed in Clearwater, showcasing the unique mid-century modern design that has created enthusiasts across the country. The home was designed by one of the protégés of the famed architect in 1979 and has undergone significant renovations since it was last sold in 2019 for $475,000. The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home now lists for $824,900 with a fresh coat of paint and modern amenities in the kitchen and bathrooms. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple skylights, and vaulted ceilings, perhaps the best highlight of the home is the pool and the backyard living space.
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