2023 legislative session

For decades, reproductive rights groups have warily eyed so-called crisis pregnancy centers that often have the appearance of abortion clinics but in reality push women toward parenting or adoption. These centers also typically discourage the use of contraceptives.

Among the reasons for the rejection of the Holocaust Memorial proposal by Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, was that the nearby site has the “structural integrity” to handle the added weight of the memorial and other planned monuments. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, ordering the clearing of the Senate seating gallery because of repeated outbursts from audience members opposed to the bill.

Bill sponsor Tiffany Esposito, R-Fort Myers, argued the changes are needed, in part, because Enterprise Florida has “over-promised and under-delivered for years.”

A group of young people from Southwest Florida and around the state were in Tallahassee this week, testifying against abortion bans and book bans.