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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Pharmacists, doctors ignore Florida's drug database
Only a third of pharmacists and 10 percent of doctors are using Florida's prescription drug database, and that's a serious problem, federal officials told the state Board of Pharmacy. Use of the drug database remains voluntary. The database was set up in 2010 to track how many narcotic pain pills patients obtain, and was intended to be a weapon against dealers and abusers who obtain excessive quantities of prescription narcotics, such as oxycodone. More at Health News Florida
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Publisher's Column
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Central Florida braces for George Zimmerman trial
With 200 news organizations expected in Sanford, Florida for the second-degree murder trial of George Zimmerman, Florida is again in an unwelcome spotlight in the racially charged case. The consequences could be far-reaching, but they’re not likely to affect state laws such as the "stand your ground" self-defense law that became the focus of controversy after Miami teen Trayvon Martin’s death in February 2012. The trial starts Monday with jury selection. More at CBS Miami.
Storm to cause heavy rain, flooding on Florida's Gulf Coast
People along Florida's west coast can expect torrential downpours, flooding and possibly a tornado because of a low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico. A flood watch is in effect through Thursday evening for many counties on the west coast and in central Florida. There is a 50 percent chance the system will develop into a tropical depresssion. Updates at Wunderground and Accuweather.
Miami Marlins account for 20 percent of baseball’s declining ticket sales
The Miami Marlins are leading the league - in falling attendance. Enduring a rough sophomore season in a new ballpark, the Marlins now account for one in every five unsold tickets throughout Major League Baseball when compared to last year’s sales. More at the Miami Herald.
Hillsborough County repeals ban on gay pride events
An 8-year-old ban on Hillsborough County recognizing gay pride events and displays was unanimously repealed by county commissioners today after hours-long public comment and board discussion. The vote was greeted by rousing applause and shouts of approval from a majority in the packed boardroom. More at the TBO.com
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Out of the Box
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South African news agency The Post has solved an international art mystery: Who is the woman in the painting "The Hindu Dancer," by Russian painter Vladimir Tretchikoff? The woman turns out to be eighty-year-old Champa Manooa who has been living in Florida for the past 30 years with her daughter. "The Hindu Dancer" was painted in 1951. Tretchikoff's paintings have commanded prices as high as $1 million. Today's Afternoon Update was compiled by Joyce Edmondson
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