SUMMARY: An administrative law judge ruled that state regulators acted correctly in denying Green Thumb Industries’ (GTI) request to open medical-marijuana dispensaries adjacent to Circle K stores in Florida. Office of Medical Marijuana Use Director Christopher Kimball rejected the proposals due to concerns about safety, security, and compliance with state law, asserting proximity to convenience stores posed risks such as increased crime and accessibility for minors. GTI argued that there are no restrictions in Florida law against such locations, highlighting previous approvals for similar dispensaries. An additional case regarding a separate Ocala location is also pending review.

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The post Gas up and get medical pot? Florida officials, judge nix plans appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

SUMMARY: Hillsborough County has appointed a new state attorney, Suzy Lopez, who was sworn in on Tuesday after winning a contentious election against former State Attorney Andrew Warren. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who supported Lopez, remarked that she would “right the ship” after Warren’s controversial removal in 2022 for his stance on prosecuting specific cases. Lopez won the election with 52% of the vote. DeSantis emphasized the importance of upholding the law without political bias. Lopez expressed her commitment to public safety, vowing to serve Hillsborough County diligently alongside prominent figures like former prosecutor Pam Bondi and Attorney General Ashley Moody.

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The post Lopez sworn in as Hillsborough County’s top prosecutor | Florida appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: Alico Inc., a major citrus grower in Florida, announced it will cease its citrus operations after this year’s harvest due to severe challenges from hurricanes and tree diseases, with production dropping 73% over the last decade. The Fort Myers-based company, which owns over 53,000 acres in Florida, will manage around 3,400 citrus acres through 2026 via third-party caretakers. Alico will also develop a portion of its land for commercial and residential projects. The decision will lead to layoffs of up to 172 employees, highlighting broader declines in Florida’s citrus production driven by disease and recent hurricanes.

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The post Major Florida grower to end citrus operations after years of hurricanes appeared first on www.abcactionnews.com