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Panhandle might need to strengthen building codes

The state Building Commission would study the effects of last year's Hurricane Ivan to determine whether Panhandle builders should use the same stronger wind protection standards as the rest of the state under a measure approved Monday by a Senate panel.

The study is part of a bill (SB 1232) sponsored by Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, that updates the building code to bring it in line with the latest engineering standards.

Florida adopted a building code in 2000 that standardized wind-resistance requirements in most of the state. But the Panhandle, from Franklin County west to the Alabama line, has the stronger wind requirements for only a mile inland from the coast.

Lynn said it was possible the exemption should be undone - but that "very careful analysis" was needed first.

A bill aimed at banning alcohol vaporizers, which allow people to breath in alcohol rather than drink it to get drunk, was unanimously approved Monday by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee.

Lawmakers are trying to make it a third-degree felony for selling the device which oxygenates alcoholic beverages into a vapor that can be inhaled by its users for a quick high that supposedly comes without the traditional hangover.

Peter Cressy, president of the Distilled Spirits Council that backed the legislation, called it "the ultimate party toy."

The proposal (SB 794) is sponsored by Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne. A companion measure (HB 241), is sponsored by Rep. Bob Henriquez, D-Tampa.

Florida schools would have to observe Veterans Day either by giving students the day off or arranging appropriate programs to acknowledge the contributions of veterans under a bill the Senate Education Committee unanimously approved Monday.

The bill (SB 612) was filed by Sen. Tony Hill, a Jacksonville Democrat who spent six years in the Army.

This year 21 districts did not designate the holiday, according to a staff analysis.

A companion House bill (HB 1265) was scheduled to be considered today by the House PreK-12 Committee.

A pair of proposals designed to give voters a chance to keep their legislators and Cabinet officers for as long as 12 consecutive years, instead of the eight-year limit now in place, unanimously cleared a Senate committee Monday.

The measures (SB 1362 and SB 1210) were combined on a 5-0 vote in the Senate Ethics & Elections Committee. The Senate proposals are being sponsored by Republican Sens. James Sebesta of St. Petersburg and Charlie Clary of Destin.

A similar measure is also moving through the House. Both proposals would take effect in 2006 and do not apply to current office holders.

Nearly four of five Florida voters liked the idea of keeping fresh blood running through the Capitol when they passed the "Eight is Enough" amendment in 1992 that took effect in 2000.

[Last modified March 22, 2005, 01:20:07]