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Northwest Florida House Delegation Unified Against Pensacola Bay Bridge Toll

Representatives Clay Ford (R-Gulf Breeze), Clay Ingram (R-Pensacola), Matt Gaetz (R-Destin) and Doug Broxson (R-Gulf Breeze) announce they are absolutely opposed to placing the burden of a toll, to finance the proposed Pensacola Bay Bridge expansion, on the constituents of Northwest Florida.

“I understand the importance the bridge plays in the Panhandle,” said Rep. Ford, “I cannot and will not support placing a toll on our residents to pay for the project. This proposal would be a job killer at a time when our economy is starting its recovery.”

“My opposition to the proposed toll is in keeping with our commitment to stand firm against the imposition of new taxes or fees,” said Rep. Ingram.

This is an ongoing discussion that will continue at least 5 years until the actual project gets underway. By then, we will come to a solution within our financial means that will not require us to impose or levy a tax or toll on our residents.

Florida House Unanimously Passes Ban On Synthetic Drugs

Today CS/CS/HB 1175 Controlled Substances by Representative Clay Ingram (R-Pensacola) passed the Florida House of Representatives with unanimous support. The bill adds dozens of chemical variations of synthetic cannabinoids and psychoactive bath salts to the list of Schedule I controlled substances.

“These dangerous synthetic drugs pose a serious threat to Floridians,” Representative Ingram said. “Last year the legislature made great strides in the effort to stamp out these chemicals. It is my sincere belief that this bill will complete that objective and punish those who peddle these toxins in our communities.”

“The House of Representatives demonstrated strong leadership by unanimously passing a bill that will protect Floridians from dangerous synthetic drugs,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We will not allow these creative chemists to skirt state law and pose serious harm to our residents.”

Senator Greg Evers, the sponsor of the Senate companion SB1502, stated, “I commend Representative Ingram for all his hard work on getting this good bill passed, and I am honored to be the Senate sponsor for this much needed legislation. Its passage today brings us one step closer to the protection of our children and young adults from these synthetic drugs.”

The bill must be voted on by the Florida Senate before being made available to the Governor to sign into law.