A day after Floridians celebrated the Fourth of July, Gov. Rick Scott embarked on a tour of the state to draw attention to new laws he signed last month for the states 1.6 million military veterans, 58,000 active duty members and their families.

A long drought and rampant fires across much of Florida threatened to snuff out Independence Day celebrations throughout the state. But steady rains in the past two weeks have eased fireworks bans in several counties.

Starting Friday, Florida teachers salaries will be more closely tied to their students performance; welfare recipients must pass a drug test to receive benefits; and women seeking abortions will be first required to undergo an ultrasound procedure.

The changes come as a result of bills passed this year by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott.

State and local firefighters are continuing to battle more than 200 fires throughout Florida, but recent rains have lowered the threat in much of the state.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam took solace in the precipitation that visited the central and southern parts of the state last week, but warned that drought conditions continue to exist in much of the Panhandle, and citizens should remain vigilant against the threat of the flames.

The Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in the lawsuit alleging Gov. Rick Scott overstepped his constitutional authority in issuing an executive order halting new agency rules from being finalized until they had his approval.