Federal officials continue to showcase the potential of the First Coast on exporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Last week, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., applauded the Federal Energy Regulatory Committees (FERC) for approving Eagle LNG exporting LNG out of Jacksonville. 

“This decision will allow for the siting, construction, and operation of a new liquefaction, storage, and export terminal facility on the St. Johns River,” Rubio’s office noted. 

At a time when freedom of speech seems to be under assault, it’s worth stepping back to reconsider why it matters.

In a free society, all citizens must be able to pursue their own paths, set their own goals, and think for themselves. Of course, in America and elsewhere, there are norms, orthodoxies, and taboos. And dissident personalities frequently challenge these norms by eschewing orthodoxy and venturing into the taboo.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday Florida’s economy continues to grow -- adding 213,000 private-sector jobs over the year in August, while maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3 percent. 

These positive economic indicators show that Florida’s low taxes and reasonable regulations continue to fuel job creation, the governor said. The news comes on the heels of the announcement earlier this week of strategic steps being taken to prepare Florida’s business environment and workforce for enhanced economic growth in expanding industries such as financial technology.