Plant City Observer YO UR HOMETO WN. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .
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VOLUME 6, NO. 52
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019
TEXTING AND DRIVING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Florida’s new texting and driving law is now in effect. Here’s what you need to know before you get behind the wheel.
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Florida drivers have been warned to put their phones down after a new law went into effect Monday prohibiting texting and driving. The reality is, however, the law is more complex than it appears. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that officially makes texting while driving in Florida a primary traffic offense. Now, officers are able to pull
you over if they see you texting behind the wheel, whereas in the past they needed you to first speed or commit a traffic violation to be able to flash their lights and bring you to a stop. The first offense for texting behind the wheel comes with a $30 fine and a second offense is $60 and three points to your license. However, unlike Georgia’s “Hands Free Law,” there are many loopholes in Florida’s first step toward major roadway change.
SEE PAGE 6
FRUITFUL GAMBLE
Keel Farms added the inaugural Watermelon Festival to its event lineup in hopes of enticing big crowds to spend a summer afternoon Plant City. SEE PAGE 10
Breanne Williams
Attendees packed the Keel & Curley Winery grounds for the inaugural Watermelon Festival over the weekend.
PC preps for Fourth of July With enough planning, your Fourth of July can hopefully be a fun and festive holiday. SEE PAGE 3
HAPPY