South Florida reacts to U.S. approval of Venezuelan oil sales to Cuban private businesses

Residents in South Florida expressed mixed reactions after the U.S. announced it will allow Venezuelan oil to be sold to Cuba's private businesses; Treasury and Commerce guidance bars sales to Cuba's government or military but officials have not clarified the full scope.

The U.S. announced it will allow Venezuelan oil to be sold to Cuba's private businesses rather than to Cuba's government. Federal guidance from the Treasury and Commerce departments says the oil cannot be sold to Cuba's government or military. Officials have not yet clarified the full scope of what is authorized. South Florida residents voiced a range of reactions, saying the move could ease shortages for Cubans or that the government might still benefit indirectly. What officials said and current status: - The administration announced permission for Venezuelan oil sales to Cuban private businesses, not to Cuba's government. - Treasury and Commerce guidance states the oil cannot be sold to the Cuban government or military, but officials have not fully defined the policy's scope. - Local reactions in South Florida were mixed, with some residents saying it could bring relief and others questioning whether private companies can operate independently of the Cuban government. - CBS News Miami contacted local members of Congress for comment and has not yet received responses. Summary: The policy change has prompted debate in South Florida about whether private sales can avoid benefiting the Cuban government and about how the oil would reach Cuban private businesses. Undetermined at this time.