Rubio, Scott look to make Daylight Saving Time permanent

March 11, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) — Florida lawmakers are looking to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.

Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act last week. The legislation would make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide, ending the tradition of “springing” the clock forward, and falling back. Both showed their support on Twitter Sunday.

On Monday,

, “Making Daylight Saving Time permanent is O.K. with me!”

Florida already has a similar law on the books, eliminating Standard Time in Florida. Then governor, Scott signed it into law in 2018. However, it needs to be approved by the federal government before it can be enacted.

Some in Leon County said they don’t approve of making Daylight Saving Time permanent.

"Having a couple of kids go through the Leon County School system and ride the bus, it seems like safety first,” said resident Deborah Vergin.

The change would make it lighter, later. But, would result in darker mornings from November to March. During that time, hundreds of kids wait at bus stops across the county.

"The dark times can be a little nerve wracking,” she said.

A member from the Leon County School District was not available to comment on camera Monday, but a spokesperson for the district said the idea is a concern for this very reason.

Others, don’t believe there are any benefits at all.

"I think it is total malarkey,” said Tallahassee resident Jamaal Mills. "Place your day how you want it. That's what really matters. What you get done during the day, I don’t think another hour of sunlight is going to make that big of a difference."

Rubio’s camp said that the change would reduce car crashes involving pedestrians, plus reduce seasonal depression, childhood obesity and robberies. It also said it would increase workplace productivity.

Some agree that having more sunlight after work hours is, “good for the soul.”

"The body needs it,” said resident Leonila Garcia.