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Senate picks the orange
Today is Day 52 of the 60-day session of the Florida Legislature.
Associated Press
Published April 28, 2005
The orange was declared Florida's official fruit Wednesday in the Senate.
After some playful teasing of its sponsor, Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, the proposal passed, 40-0. A similar proposal in the House (HB 99) awaits floor action.
Earlier Legislatures had chosen the Florida panther as the state animal, the mockingbird as the state bird, the Sabal palm as the state tree, the orange blossom as the state flower, the manatee as the state marine mammal, the alligator as the state reptile - but had never declared a state fruit.
Other action
RUNOFF: A measure (HB 1673) to eliminate the historic second primary, or runoff election, is headed for a final vote in the Senate after some debate Wednesday. The House passed a version earlier this month.
RIGHTS RESTORATION: The Senate may vote today on a bill that would require county officials to help felons fill out paperwork for applying to restore their civil rights after their release from jail. The measure (SB 514) corrects a loophole in state law - such help is already required for people getting out of state prison, but not for inmates who serve their time in county jails. If it passes the Senate, the bill still needs House approval.
SEAT BELTS: A measure to allow police to pull over cars if they see children inside that aren't buckled up was added to another bill that prevents children from riding in open pickup truck beds (HB 609) Wednesday and could come up for a House vote this week.
[Last modified April 28, 2005, 01:17:11]
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