Federal Spending Cuts Threaten Delays in Air Travel – The effects of impending federal spending cuts include flight delays, reduced takeoffs and slower security. Reduced work time for employees of the Federal Aviation Administration could decrease the average number of employees working on any given day by 10 percent. The New York Times
Gainesville closer to acquiring shuttered prison for homeless center – Gainesville’s plans to buy the now-closed Gainesville Correctional Institution, located on Northeast 39th Avenue, to transform it into a homeless shelter are still under way. The Gainesville Sun
Bill to ban smoking on some public land advances – By unanimous vote, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee approved measure SB 258, which expands the state’s clear indoor air restrictions to more outdoor venues. The current version of the bill prohibits smoking only on sidewalks in public parks, on public beaches or in recreations areas while continuing to allow smoking on regular street-side sidewalks. The bill would also allow cities and counties to extend smoke-free zones from public buildings to 75 feet from the entrance, or the same distance from a ventilation system or windows. The Miami Herald
GRU has an oversupply of coal because of cheap natural gas – Gainesville Regional Utilities’ current stockpile of coal is about 316,000 tons. The decline in natural gas prices has made it a cheaper option than coal. In response, GRU has delayed some shipments and will not enter annual contracts for coal purchases after the last of the three current agreements expires in March. Instead, GRU will burn through its existing stockpile as usage rises in the summer months and buy coal on the spot market. The Gainesville Sun
Tebow cancels talk at controversial Dallas church – Tim Tebow has canceled an appearance at a Baptist mega church in Dallas. The pastor of the church has made controversial remarks about gays and other faiths. Tebow tweeted Feb. 21 that he canceled a scheduled April 28 appearance at First Baptist Church due to “new information that has been brought to my attention.” The Tampa Bay Times
