Friday’s Daily Pulse: What You Need to Know About Florida Today
5/17/2024
‘Short Fuse Storms’ Are a Major Concern as Florida Prepares for Hurricane Season
As Florida braces for another active Atlantic hurricane season, forecasters and emergency managers announced on Wednesday that advancements in forecasting will give the public more time and information than ever before to prepare. However, they remain particularly worried about the “short fuse storms” that rapidly intensify. Scientists are concerned that as climate change continues to warm the planet, these rapidly intensifying storms will become more common. More details from WLRN and WUSF.
Business Beat – Week of May 17th
Get the latest top news with Florida Trend’s headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida Jobless Claims Increase
Florida saw a spike in first-time unemployment claims last week, reaching the highest total since January. According to a report released by the U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday, an estimated 7,051 jobless claims were filed in the state for the week ending May 11, up from a revised count of 5,893 the previous week. Nationally, an estimated 222,000 claims were filed last week, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous week. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Biochemical Company Develops Nontoxic Protectant Spray to Counter Citrus Greening
The citrus industry in Florida has been significantly impacted by citrus greening, a disease spread by a tiny foreign insect, resulting in the state’s orange production dropping from 148 million boxes in the 2005-2006 season to just over 15.8 million boxes in the 2022-2023 season. However, Missouri-based biochemical company Elemental Enzymes has developed a nontoxic protectant spray as a breakthrough solution. [Source: Fresh Plaza]
Drowning Deaths Are on the Rise, According to CDC; A New Florida Law Could Help
Unintentional drowning deaths have been rising, with over 4,500 people drowning each year from 2020-2022, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Greater access to swimming lessons is key to reducing these numbers. A law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last month will provide low-income families with vouchers for swimming lessons. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
High Hopes: Aviation Exec Sees South Florida Travelers Riding His Electric Air Taxi Service and New Zoom! Airline
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Miami airline executive-entrepreneur Ed Wegel is planning to launch both a South Florida air taxi service using eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) and a Miami-based scheduled airline. The new airline will serve small cities in the Northeast and Midwest, as well as destinations in the Caribbean and Central America.
What’s Stalling Miami Beach Road-Raising Projects? Complaints About Parking, to Start
Miami Herald
In 2016, the Miami Beach City Commission voted to proceed with a major resiliency project on First Street, a low-lying area vulnerable to sea-level rise. Despite the approval of a roadway redesign four years ago, construction has yet to begin.
Tampa Tech Leader Helps Protect Florida Wildlife Corridor Permanently with Financing Deal
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Hundreds of acres of the Florida Wildlife Corridor have been permanently protected through a partnership of conservationists and Tampa software magnate Arnie Bellini. On May 9, a group of government and conservation organizations finalized a financing plan to buy the land back from Bellini, ensuring its permanent protection. The area will now be known as the Bellini Preserve and will become a public park.
NBCUniversal Technology Hub Leans Heavily into Orlando Themes
Orlando Sentinel
Since the departure of the Golf Channel from Orlando in 2019, NBCUniversal has converted the vacated studios and other spaces into a sports and entertainment technology hub. The recently completed refurbishment heavily incorporates elements that celebrate the City Beautiful.
