Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
This week we discuss the top 10 stories of the year:
10. Ken Welch is elected mayor of St. Petersburg, the first African American to hold the position.
9. A massive toxic spill at the Piney Point phosphate plant in Manatee County leads to killing of marine life.
8. Record increase in Florida property values for 2021. Governor DeSantis increases money in budget for affordable housing
7. School board meetings become battlegrounds in the Covid-19 culture wars
6. The Capitol insurrection. Florida leads the nation in the number of people arrested for the capitol attack.
5. Tampa Bay buccaneers win the super bowl in Tampa. Tampa Bay Lightning repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
4. Over 1000 manatees die in Florida waters in 2021. 13% of the population is now gone.
3. Academic scandal rocks the University of Florida. School leadership accusing of bowing to political pressure.
2. New voting law, SB 90, is passed. Law imposes restrictions on drop boxes, voter registration drives, and ballot counting. Several civil rights groups challenge the law in court.
1. Governor DeSantis' handling of Covid-19 outbreak. Pushes vaccines early on, later resists mandates, calls for special session to block mandates.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
