Your Chamber News

Yesterday we celebrated Wingstop's Ribbon Cutting! They just opened in Clearwater on Gulf to Bay Blvd. Stop by for some tasty wings and warm rolls, YUM! Thank you to all of our members who made it!

Join these companies and build with us!

Our 25th Annual Legislative Breakfast was a success! Thank to everyone who was able to attend!

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Introducing the Florida Craft Beverage Finder on VISITFLORIDA.com

VISIT FLORIDA, in partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, has launched a Florida Craft Beverage Finder on VISITFLORIDA.com. The interactive vacation planning tool, built on the same platform used to construct VISIT FLORIDA’s successful Beach and Attractions Finders, aggregates images of different craft breweries, wineries, or distilleries based on changes made to the dial settings. Four separate settings can be adjusted depending on the user’s vacation preferences. The interface then matches the user with venues throughout the state. To have your brewery, winery, or distillery considered for inclusion on the Craft Beverage Finder, contact the VISIT FLORIDA content team at content@visitflorida.org . If you have interest in other learning about other opportunities for involvement with VISIT FLORIDA, please contact your Regional Partnership Manager based in Clearwater, Jen Carlisle at jcarlisle@visitflorida.org .

INPUT REQUESTED: Survey for Smoking Ban on Beaches

This is a survey on the proposed legislation to prohibit cigarette smoking on Florida public beaches. While it was not reviewed in 2019, it will likely be a topic during the 2020 session. Survey results will be shared with Florida legislators and media. Thank you for completing the survey, which will take approximately 5 minutes.

2020 Legislative Session Dates

September 9-13, 2019: Joint Legislative Budget Commission meets

September 16 - 20, 2019: First Interim Committee Week

Committee Weeks:

October 14 - 18

October 21 - 25

November 4 - 8

November 12 - 15

December 9 - 13

Legislative Session Begins: January 14, 2020

Big changes possible in petition gathering for ballot initiatives; other proposed ballot measures to watch

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers this month approved a controversial bill that is expected to make it harder to put citizens’ initiatives on the ballot. The bill (HB 5) would place additional restrictions on gathering the hundreds of thousands of petition signatures needed to reach the ballot. Governor DeSantis is expected to sign the bill.

Read more about HB 5 and other proposed initiatives

Today's Florida Headlines

Upcoming Public Meetings

Click on links below for meeting agenda and location details.

Government Affairs Committee Meeting

Tuesday June 18 - 7:45 am

Presentation: BayCare Health System

BayCare offers a wide range of programs and services to meet the health care needs of individuals and communities throughout Florida. Our goal is to offer exceptional service at every level and in many forms. Whether you require emergency surgery, prenatal counseling, or outpatient imaging, you can always turn to BayCare as your single trusted source for comprehensive care. We are proud to be known throughout the Tampa Bay area for 15 not-for-profit hospitals, in addition to more than 300 facilities that offer a wide variety of additional medical services and more.

Transportation Committee Meeting

Tuesday June 18 - 9:00 am

Presentation: Florida Department of Transportation District 7

Location:

"The Ring" Workspaces

600 Cleveland Street Suite 300 Clearwater, FL 33755