New Florida Bill Would Allow The Cops To Pull Over People Who Drive Too Slow In The Left Lane

Fort Myers very own, Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka has filed bill HB 421 for consideration during the upcoming legislative session. The soonest it can be discussed is March 7th. The bill summery is "Driving in the Furthermost Left-hand Lane of a Roadway. Prohibits driver from continuously operating motor vehicle in furthermost left-hand lane of certain roadways; provides penalty." This specifically targets people who drive too slow in the left lane and mostly the ones who do so on the interstate. It continues:

"On a road, street, or highway having two or more lanes  allowing movement in the same direction with a posted speed  limit of at least 65 miles per hour, a driver may not continuously operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left21 hand lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle, when preparing to exit the road, street, or highway, or when otherwise directed by an official traffic control device. This subsection does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles and vehicles engaged in highway maintenance or construction operations. A violation of this section is a noncriminal  traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318 Section 2. This act shall take effect January 1, 2024."

I can't imagine them enforcing this on places like I4 near Orlando where none of the lanes are moving at full speed. If the bill passes, education is going to be an issue. All those tourists and snowbirds are going to be confused as to why they're being pulled over. I was driving in Ohio last month and most people there drive within 3 to 4 miles of the speed limit. Things move a lot faster here in Florida. Luda will tell you:

Here are your Weekend Vibes, what’s happening in Southwest Florida Jan 27-29. The last weekend of the first month of the New Year is going to be a good one if you want to get out and have some fun.

It's going to be a little cooler again this weekend, perfect for warm, savory foods like chili. Scroll down and you'll find two different events featuring this popular winter dish. If your more of a sweet than a savory person, there something for you too. Especially if you are a fan of The Bubble Room Restaurant on Captiva Island.

There is both bad and good news for you. Unfortunately the iconic restaurant is still closed from Hurricane Ian damage. However, the good news is that Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers is opening their kitchen for a Bubble Room pop-up event. If you want some of their comforting sweet treats, you can get them from the back of the theater Friday through Sunday. All of the details are here.

Finally, if you have any events you would like us to know about, send the info here.

One more thing, we do understand that a new year does not wipe away the old challenges. Many businesses in Southwest Florida are still closed and many people still without a place to live due to Hurricane Ian. However, more places are opening and more residents are finding relief. If you feel like getting out and about, we have a few ideas here. But then again, if you are still not feeling so great mentally that is OK. We want to offer you some resources so click here to find some that might be of benefit.

In the meantime, here are your Weekend Vibes, what’s happening in Southwest Florida Jan 27-29

This is the 17th annual competition.is Saturday from 7pm-11pm in downtown Cape Coral.  $30's gets you a passport and a trolley ride to ten different locations to sample martinis and appetizers. At the end of the night cast your vote for the best.

The show is full of jousting, games, music food and more. It runs this Saturday and Sunday in Bonita Springs, across from the old dog track on Bonita Beach Road, 28010 Race Track Road. Tickets start at $25.

Find this annual event downtown in Caloosa Sound Amphitheater (Centennial Park) in downtown Fort Myers, Friday and Saturday. The popular Screaming Orphans are part of the musical lineup. There will be all kinds of food and Celtic vendors as well. Tickets begin at $5

The 12th annual event is Saturday in Punta Gorda's Laishley Park. Gates open at 11am. There is a chili cook-off with competitors from across the county, and lots of music all da long.

This annual fundraiser features a cook-off between first responders and military personnel. Money raised goes for Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Collier-Lee Honor Flight and Injured Warriors Fund of Florida. It's at Stu's Motorcycles on Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers 11 to 4 Saturday. $10 

https://experiencemercato.com/events/the-art-festival/Mercato Shops in North Naples is hosting a big art festival both Saturday from 11 to 7 and Sunday from 10 to 5. Pick up some cool art for the New Year, handmade by artists from around the country.