Spring Break Barrage; Russian Fallout; Abortion Ban: FL News

FLORIDA — This week, the Florida's GOP-dominated Legislature passed a controversial bill banning abortions in Florida after 15 weeks of pregnancy and Florida high school students staged walkouts Friday over the Legislature's consideration of a bill that would prevent classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity.

In the meantime, Florida is bracing for a barrage of spring break visitors as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention loosens its coronavirus restrictions and Florida is feeling the fallout of the Russian attack on Ukraine in the form of higher gas prices, Russian boycotts and displays of support for the people of Ukraine.

Read these stories and more on Florida Patch sites this week.

• Ringling Bridge Lit Up To Support Ukraine In Sarasota
• Florida Lawmakers Send 15-Week Abortion Ban To Governor
• O' Hillsborough River Goes Green In Time For St. Patrick's Day
• Tampa General Hospital Named To Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals
• Louis Armstrong’s Secret Daughter Reclaims Her Family Story
• As Spring Break Begins, Passengers Expected To Pack Airports
• 52nd Gasparilla Arts Fest To Feature More Than 250 Artists
• 1st Responder Suicide Prevention Initiative Awarded State Funding
• More To FL's Rising Gas Prices Than Russian-Ukraine Invasion
• Total Wine Removes Russian Alcohol Amid Ukraine Conflict
• Pug Found Dead On Pavement After Being Thrown Off 7-Story Balcony At Clearwater Condo
• DeSantis Draws Cheers At CPAC, Trump Hints At Presidential Run
• No Masks; CDC Dramatically Eases COVID-19 Restrictions Friday
• Trump Oceanfront Mansion Next To Mar-A-Lago Re-Listed For $59M
• Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins Season Delayed As Lockout Continues
• End To Russian Sister City Relationship Sought By Sarasota Leader
• Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruise Stops In Russia: Report
• ‘The Monkey Whisperer’ Sold Protected Monkey To Celebrity: DOJ
• 'You Don't Have To Wear Those': FL Gov. To Masked Students
• Russian Flags To Be Removed At Miami International Airport: Mayor
• FL To Light Skyway Bridge In Ukrainian Flag Colors Friday: FDOT
• Hundreds Of Students Walk Out To Protest 'Don't Say Gay' Bill

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