NewsNight

As Florida gets ready for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, NewsNight takes a look at the work underway to prepare for storms in parts of the state still reeling from the effects of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole last year. Plus, the latest on statewide coastal and inland resiliency efforts.

Local governments in Florida could face new restrictions in how they can deal with housing issues in the state. NewsNight looks at bills pre-empting local ordinances governing landlord-tenant relationships, and blocking initiatives such as rent controls. Plus, Governor DeSantis signs a new law barring state funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public universities and colleges.

The panel discusses Florida’s new “Insurer Accountability” Act aimed at protecting insurance customers and expanding the authority of state insurance regulators. Supporters say it’s key to reining-in “bad actors” but others say the legislation doesn’t go far enough towards balancing recent industry-backed reforms passed by lawmakers.

This week on NewsNight; as the 2023 legislative session comes to an end, lots of big wins for the republican controlled senate. DeSantis signed the 6-week abortion ban into law and house bill 899 would now allow parents to surrender their newborns up to 30 days. Growing restrictions on education involving LGBTQ and banning post-secondary majors about women and gender studies And permit less carry will become legal.

Work is underway to build flood defenses and mitigation infrastructure in Orlo Vista, an Orange County community regularly inundated in the wake of major storms. And the panel discusses the pressures of economic development in Central Florida as some residents push back on plans for a green technology park in Kissimmee.

The panel discusses an announcement by Governor Ron DeSantis that Florida lawmakers will take up legislation as early as next week to revoke the recent development agreements between Disney and the former Reedy Creek Improvement District board, and strip the theme park giant of its power to self-inspect its monorail and rides. Plus, Florida’s six-week abortion ban is signed into law.

An in-depth look at the case of Crosley Green, a Titusville man released from prison two years ago after his murder conviction was overturned, but now ordered to resume his sentence. Plus, the panel discusses what might happen now to the former Hungerford school site in Eatonville after a property developer pulled out of an agreement to buy the land from Orange County Public Schools.

Florida lawmakers are debating a broad suite of immigration measures including a requirement for private businesses to verify the employment eligibility of their staff or face stiff penalties. Under the proposals, Florida would also stop recognizing out-of-state licenses issued to undocumented immigrants 

As Florida lawmakers prepare to pass legislation that will ban abortions in Florida after six weeks of pregnancy with limited exceptions, NewsNight looks at the impact such a move might have on residents in surrounding states. Plus, likely changes coming to K-12 education in Florida. 

In the wake of a recent shooting spree that left three people dead, including a nine-year-old girl and a TV news reporter, leaders in Pine Hills look to dispel their community’s reputation for crime and violence. NewsNight takes an in-depth look at issues facing Pine Hills and steps being taken to improve security and youth prospects.