Fourth of July weekend is approaching and more and more Floridians, from Naples to the panhandle, will be heading to the beach. If your plans include a visit to the beach be sure to adhere to precautions. Sadly, America's Deadliest Beach is said to be right here in Florida.
BlabberBuzz is calling Panama City Beach, America's Deadliest Beach, and that's just terrifying.
Why does Panama City Beach have this title?
Seven people have died at the beach in a period of only 9 days this year.
According to a release, police responded to "three separate fatal water incidents behind three different resorts." The city is calling them "fatal water incidents" because officials say it's not known whether the victims drowned or had another medical emergency in the water. The reported cause of the dangerous swimming conditions is rip currents.
According to Panama City Beach Police, double red flags were posted during two of the most recent incidents. The double red flags warn beachgoers that the water is closed to swimmers. "The conditions at the time were severe, with double red flags indicating extreme water hazards," authorities stated.
The three most recent deaths occurred just last weekend, three tourists visiting Panama City Beach from Georgia and Michigan, bringing the total to 7 deaths in 2023. The National Weather Service said this is the highest death toll at any beach this year, making this America's Deadliest Beach this year.
Merriam-Webster defines a rip current as a strong usually narrow surface current flowing outward from a shore that results from the return flow of waves and wind-driven water.
Here's what you need to watch out for:
What to do if you get caught in a rip current
10 New Laws Going Into Effect July 1 in Florida
Twice a year, new laws go into effect and here are 10 new laws that kick in July 1 in Florida.
Saturday begins a new month and several new laws will go into effect following the passage of over 200 bills during the 2023 legislative session. Governor Ron DeSantis approved almost 300 bills with about one-third going into effect immediately or starting in October or January. He also passed a record $116.5 billion budget. Many controversial issues were debated. These new laws reflect a range of changes in various areas. We'll see new laws in education, social issues, technology and public safety within the state of Florida.
Not all of the new laws will impact your day to day life. But certainly, there are some that people will be talking about. From guns to TikTok to restrooms to what can be taught in schools. Everyone has an opinion, so expect lots of chatter around the office. Especially if you have a lot of outspoken people and lot of very strong opinions, get ready. For a more extensive list of the new laws, click here. Below are the biggest and the ones to affect the most people in Florida.
10 New Laws Going Into Effect July 1 in Florida:
Permitless Carry
Starting July 1, guns can be carried nearly anywhere, with some exceptions like airports. You will need to be qualified, but no longer need a permit.
Death Penalty
To sentence someone to death, up until this point, there had to be a unanimous jury vote. Beginning July 1, 8 out of 12 members on a jury will need to vote for the execution.
Immigrant Workers
For companies employing 25 or more workers, verification must be done to ensure they can legally work in the United States.
September 11th
Teachers in Florida will give 45 minutes of class time to the events of 9/11.
TikTok
TikTok will be prohibited on any devices owned by school districts and through internet access provided by districts.
Transgender
Transgender students will not be addressed by their preferred pronoun by school staff. In addition, the new law will require people to use bathrooms based on their sex assigned at birth.
Books
Schools will be required to remove books within 5 days if there are complaints about their content.
Florida State Guard
The Florida state guard will more than triple from 400 to 1,500 members.
Amusement Parks
After the death of Tyre Sampson who fell from a ride in Orlando last year, the new law will put in place additional safety requirements on amusement rides.
School Bus Cameras
This law will allow school districts to use cameras designed to capture images of drivers who pass school buses illegally.
America's Deadliest Beach