• A bill that would provide tax incentives for the filmmakers who shoot in Florida passed unanimously Tuesday in the House. The measure, HB 697, is sponsored by State Rep. Jennifer Carroll and would provide a percentage of expenditures, with an additional 5 percent for those filming G-rated movies. Carroll has called the bill a needed step to make the industry competitive with other states offering similar incentives to lure filmmakers. It still needs Senate approval.
• Speaking of tax breaks that passed the House, back-to-school shoppers are a step closer to a tax break on goods such as clothes, books, shoes and similar items less than $50 from Aug. 13-15. The measure, HB 483, would also affect school supplies under $10 and was passed unanimously.
• Gov. Charlie Crist signed a bill, HB 315, Tuesday that will allow parents wishing to adopt children to not have to answer questions regarding gun ownership and ammunition they own. On the signing side, Crist also vetoed his first measure of the session, HB 1207, a leadership fund bill regarding authority over campaign contributions.
• Tuesday might have seemed like a circus to those who were attending the legislative session, but one literally was just outside the Capitol. As part of Florida State University Day, members of the Flying High Circus performed several acts while members of the band played. It drew a lunchtime crowd, including legislators such as State Rep. Mike Weinstein. “It’s a pretty good show,” he said, as he spent a few minutes outside before heading inside for his next committee meeting.