A bill to nix current law requiring “reusable” kegs for wine producers is now heading to the full House for a vote.

The House Commerce Committee heard the proposal (HB 6015) that would remove some limits for wineries in Florida. The committee voted unanimously in favor of the measure with little discussion.

Rep. Vanessa Oliver, a Port Charlotte Republican, filed the measure to end the requirements that wine producers use “reusable” kegs.

“It is unlawful for a person to sell within this state wine in an individual container holding more than 1 gallon of such wine, unless such wine is in a reusable container holding 5.16 gallons or a glass container holding 4.5 liters, 6 liters, 17.9 liters, 12 liters, or 15 liters,” the current law reads.

Oliver’s measure simply seeks to remove that one word, “reusable,” from the statute that was enacted about a decade ago.

The House bill is mirrored by a similar measure (SB 578) winding through the Senate. The bill in that chamber is sponsored by Sen. Tom Leek, a St. Augustine Republican representing coastal areas just north of Daytona into St. Johns County.

Oliver said it may seem like a small adjustment. But for winemakers in Florida, it’s an essential change and can make a difference in taste of the final product.

“This was actually brought to me by one of my constituents who is a blueberry farmer in DeSoto County,” Oliver said in a Florida Politics interview in February. “He is part owner of a winery and they make blueberry wine out of his blueberries and sell it throughout the Southeastern United States.”

The problem for the blueberry farmer is they cannot distribute the wine in large quantities in Florida because it can only be sold in reusable kegs, which are usually made of metal. Oliver said that negatively impacts the taste of the wine.

“It’s really hindering their ability to sell their products to restaurants in our state,” Oliver said. “They normally use a glass keg that’s recyclable, but not reusable.”

While Florida will never be known as a wine region like other states such as California or Washington, there are still about three dozen wine producers in the Sunshine State, according to the American Winery Guide.

Oliver’s proposal doesn’t change the size of the kegs that are permitted or the size of any container for wine sales. The proposed change would not eliminate “reusable” kegs. But it would make them optional and Oliver says the glass kegs are simply better for the taste of the product.

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Through a series of strategic partnerships, Tampa General Hospital continues to expand access to world-class care and transform health care delivery through innovation and technology. The latest announcement aligns closely with Senate President Ben Albritton’s priority of sparking a Rural Renaissance in the Sunshine State.

Tampa General Hospital and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County reached an agreement earlier this year for Tampa General to provide administrative leadership, operational management and strategic support for Lakeside Medical Center, the Health Care District’s public teaching hospital in Belle Glade.

“With this agreement, we’re extending the strategic, operational and clinical expertise we offer at Tampa General to support the leadership, providers and teams at Lakeside Medical Center and expand access to world-class care in the Glades,” said John Couris, President and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. “It’s the best of both worlds — high quality care close to home.”

Florida’s rural areas, like most other states across the nation, have historically experienced a lack of access to high-quality health care. While the state of Florida has made strides to close the gap, there is still more work to be done. Studies have shown that rural communities experience a 40% higher preventable hospitalization rate and a 23% higher mortality rate compared to urban communities.

Lakeside Medical Center, which opened in Belle Glade in 2009, is run by the Palm Beach County Health District. The District’s Board of Commissioners approved a Management and Administrative Services Agreement during an open session on Dec. 11 after hearing a presentation from Tampa General leadership. Effective Feb. 1, Tampa General will work with Lakeside Medical Center to enhance quality of care, strengthen clinical training, recruitment and retention, and improve financial status.

“This strategic partnership combines the strengths of both organizations to advance access to high-quality health care for underserved populations,” said Darcy J. Davis, Health Care District of Palm Beach County President and CEO. “By joining forces with Tampa General, the health and wellness of our Glades communities will prosper for generations.”

Tampa General appointed Ron Doncaster vice president of business operations and integration at Lakeside Medical Center. In this role, Doncaster will oversee operations, facilitate service integration, supervise personnel and offer recommendations for innovative programming and expansion opportunities.

Doncaster takes on this role with decades of experience in health care leadership and administration, having managed operations at some of the nation’s most prestigious health care systems, including Mass General Brigham. Most recently, he served as Interim Chief Operating Officer at Tampa General, overseeing all clinical and operational strategies and managing partnerships with key constituents.

“Our No. 1 goal is to meet the needs of the community,” Doncaster said. “With improved delivery models and expanded access to specialists, we can elevate the level of care available in the community without losing the personal service only a local hospital can provide.”

Couris, Davis and Doncaster, along with Stacey Brandt, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Tampa General, participated in a town hall last week with the team at Lakeside to outline their joint vision for Lakeside and answer questions.

Belle Glade residents have responded with overwhelming support for the strategic partnership. “It’ll be a game-changer for this community,” resident Connie Boldin Jr., told CBS 12 in West Palm Beach.

Under the agreement, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County maintains ownership of the hospital and its assets. The agreement does not impact the rights or obligations of Health Care District employees assigned to Lakeside Medical Center.

Tampa General’s work with Lakeside Medical Center marks an expansion of Tampa General’s existing network of providers and services in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, which already includes primary care, cancer care, digestive health, kidney care, radiation, oncology and general surgery.

Tampa General is one of the largest and most innovative academic health systems in the nation. The system features more than 150 care locations across the Sunshine State. TGH is ranked No. 2 in Florida and a top 50 hospital nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

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