Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/2/2015

Gov. Rick Scott will keep the focus on jobs during 2nd term

Scott, who will be inaugurated on Tuesday, maintains his focus will remain on improving the state's economy, bolstering Florida's schools and holding the line on college tuition increases. Scott said, "When I finish my eight years we will be the best place to get a job, we will be a great place to get a great education and you will live in a safe community." More from the AP.

Related, from Florida Trend:
» Rick Scott is a Newsmaker of the Year

FAA authorizes using drones for mosquito control in Florida

Newsmaker of the Year

Land lord: The Mormon Church

The Mormon Church became Florida's largest private landowner in 2014, now owning more than 670,000 acres.
» Access article here
[Photo by Carlton Ward Jr.]

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District plans to use two drones to search for standing water in remote spots. It's reportedly the first time the Federal Aviation Administration has authorized drones for mosquito control in the U.S. More at the WWSB.

Companies to lay off hundreds at Patrick AFB

Two private companies have filed layoff notices with the state regarding a total of 347 jobs to be cut at Patrick Air Force Base between now and March. The base is just south of Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral, about one hour east of Orlando. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Space Florida sets course on reviving cape launch pads

Space Florida is trying to land a couple of private companies, including one that could service human flights, by promising to upgrade two launch pads at Cape Canaveral. Board members of Space Florida have agreed to put up a combined $6.4 million as part of two matches with the Florida DOT for improvements at Launch Pad 36 and Launch Pad 41. More at the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Florida State's unusual bond with Seminole Tribe puts mascot debate in a different light

AT FSU, the elective course “History of the Seminoles and Southeastern Tribes, Pre-Contact to Present," was conceived with input from the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The class embodies the unusual bond between a 41,000-strong university way up in the Florida Panhandle and a 4,000-strong tribe that history shoved into the Everglades and below Lake Okeechobee and way down almost to Miami. More at the Washington Post.

Outdoor Fun
Fired up: How to stay warm during winter camping

Terry Tomalin, Outdoor Editor for the Tampa Bay Times, shares tips for staying warm -- and safe -- while camping in Florida during the winter.
"One of the first things any young outdoors enthusiast learns is how to build a fire. Whether you are heading out on a backpacking trip in Ocala National Forest or just setting up a fire ring at Fort De Soto's family campground, here are a few tips to help you keep warm during the winter months." Video report is below. » Also see Tomalin's column at the Tampa Bay Times. [Photo by Douglas R. Clifford of the Times]