New Florida Bill Bans Minors From Social Media
There is a new bill in Florida that bans minors from social media. This is for minors under the age of 16. The bill now goes to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk after he vetoed a previous version of the bill. This bill is known as House Bill 3 and it bans anyone under the age of 14 from creating social media accounts. Additionally, the bill requires 14 and 15-year-olds to have an opt-in from a parent. Also mentioned in the bill is that “Adult” websites must also use third-party age verification. The reason for that is to restrict anyone under 18 from accessing those sites. If the bill is signed by DeSantis, the law would go into effect July 1, 2024.
So, if this bill does pass then social media companies would then be required to remove the accounts of anyone under the age of 14. They would have a 90-day period for appealing it. Finally, they would have to remove accounts of 14 and 15-year-olds unless a parent provides consent to keep the account active for their children.
What A House Representative Is Saying About The Bill
I personally don’t allow my children to have social media although they aren’t teenagers yet. Even if they were this bill seems like it is trying to protect children from things they shouldn’t be seeing. When I was reading the story about this there were a couple of quotes from House Representatives that I found interesting. Here is one of them from Rep. Fiona McFarland (R-Sarasota), “Social media is designed with an insidious underbelly of addiction that preys especially on the developing minds of our young people. Platforms turn kids into addicts, unable to step away from their digital devices or ignore the constant stream of notifications. We will not allow platforms to work at cross purposes against parents.” Secondly, Rep. Michele Rayner (D-St. Pete), says, “This is a generational bill that will save lives.”
[SOURCE: WFLA]
What Tampa Is Doing Right Compared To Other Major U.S. Cities
Excellent Airport
There’s a reason TPA has a cult-like following. It’s because it’s been named one of America’s best airports over and over again. Tampa International Airport is so organized and efficient compared to other airports like MCO (and from my personal experiences) Denver Airport, Phoenix, LAX, etc.
Free/Cheap Public Transport
While Tampa is lacking some major public transport like a light rail, the systems we do have are reliable and fairly affordable. We are forever grateful the TECO streetcar in Downtown Tampa is free to use. Our preferred way of getting around on Lightning game days. Plus, there’s the Pirate Taxi, Cross Bay Ferry, and downtown has the cheap option of the Dash Tesla cabs. Riders are $2 each.
Culture
Tampa is known for it’s diverse population with a lack of segregated areas (besides Hyde Park and Davis Island). From restaurants, to art galleries and museums, Tampa is flooded with all kinds of culture. We are also home to the only trilingual paper in the country.
