Dogs On Beach, Texting On Legislative Agendas

Brevard Legislative & Commission Watch

• Brevard County Commission to Consider Allowing Dogs on Public Beaches

Brevard County Commissioners will consider a dog-friendly designation for select unincorporated locations along public beaches.

Currently, Canova Beach at the end of the Eau Gallie Causeway is the only public beach in Brevard that allows canines on the shoreline. Local parks with dog designated sections include Palm Bay Regional Park, Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, Wickham Park in Melbourne, Fay Lake Wilderness Park in Port St. John and Titusville’s Marina Park.

• State Legislature to Vote on HB 13 Bill to Ban Texting While Driving

Florida may join 45 states which have at least a partial ban on texting while driving. The Florida House of Representatives is set to vote on House Bill 13, which would make texting while driving a secondary offense, meaning law enforcement officers would need another reason for puling a driver over before issuing a fine of $30.

Sponsored by State Rep. Doug Holder, House Bill 13 will mirror Sen. Nancy Deter’s state senate bill (SB 52) which passed with unanimous approval, earlier this month. Similar legislation failed to reach the floor for a vote in previous sessions, but increased bipartisan support from Republicans including Ray Pilon of Sarasota and state Democrats such as Sen. Maria Sachs, along with the AARP’s support have combined to increased the bills odds to reach the floor for a vote.

According to the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times survey of 800 Florida voters, distracted driving legislation is supported by 78% of registered Democrats and 66% of Republicans.

• Minor Traffic Safety Act

In related legislation, State Sen. Thad Altman and Rep. Irving Slosberg are proposing bills (SB 152, HB 61) titled “The Minor Traffic Safety Act.” Under the act, drivers under 18 would be prohibited from using cell phones and wireless communication devices.

Similar Stories