Civilian oversight of the police
More than 20 cities and counties in Florida will lose independent, civilian police oversight under a new state law that takes effect July 1. The law prohibits local governments from allowing civilian boards to monitor or investigate complaints of police misconduct. It also allows police chiefs and county sheriffs to set up their own boards to review general policies, training and organizational issues. But supporters of independent review boards say eliminating civilian oversight would be a “negative” move. do not have It helps foster trust in the police.
guest:
- Danny RiveroInvestigative reporter for WLRN.
- Rodney JacobsDirector of the Civilian Investigations Commission (CIP) for the City of Miami.
Online sports betting
The Seminole Tribe will maintain control over online sports betting statewide after the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this week rejected a challenge to an agreement that gave the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to online sports betting in Florida.
The nation’s highest court has rejected a corporate petition challenging a compact that promises hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits to the tribe and state. The compact, signed in 2021, gives the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to sports betting in Florida for 30 years. In return, the tribe will pay the state about $20 billion.
It’s the latest setback for the owner of Magic City Casino, which operates a poker room and gambling operations in Florida. Lawyers for two Florida pari-mutuel companies, Bonita Fort Myers Inc. and West Flagler Associates Inc., had argued that the deal violated the Indian Gaming Control Act. In March, the Florida Supreme Court also ruled against the companies’ challenge.
But the decision allows Gov. Ron DeSantis to use the contract revenue to pay for the impacts of sea level rise and other resiliency work.
The new decision could also encourage other tribes across the U.S. to follow a similar path and operate online gambling.
guest:
- Daniel Wallach, Founder of Wallach Legal.
Gender-affirming care
Last week, a federal court blocked the state of Florida from enforcing a law that bans gender-affirming medical care for minors and restricts its provision to adults.
Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that the law (Senate Bill 254) and the medical board’s associated rules violate the equal protection rights of transgender people and parents of minors in Florida. The state of Florida is appealing the decision.
Florida’s restrictions on gender-affirming medical care have had a chilling effect: A Human Rights Campaign survey last year found that a majority of transgender and nonbinary Floridians surveyed said they had considered or planned to leave the state.
guest:
- Dalina Millera multimedia journalist at WUSF.
- Katherine VerneAxios Tampa Bay reporter.
Weekly Briefing
Events commemorating Juneteenth were held across the state this week, and although the national holiday was on Wednesday, June 19, many celebrations began over the weekend. At Roberto Clemente Park in Fort Myers.
About 40 people I took a bus tour of important sites in black history. It’s happening around Central Florida this weekend ahead of Independence Day.
June also marks Pride Month, a time when members of the LGBTQ community are celebrated, and an art exhibition in St. Petersburg is putting the spotlight on queer joy.
Our climate is warm all year round and despite the lack of natural ice… Passion for ice hockey is on the rise.
South Florida residents will remember that the Florida Panthers are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup in Game 6. The team is one game away from winning the trophy after losing 5-3 to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 earlier this week. Game 6 is Friday night.
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