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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida’s citrus production slides to historic low
Already on pace for its worst growing season in decades, Florida's citrus industry has been advised its orange harvest may be 4 percent lower than projected a month ago. The decrease is the third consecutive month the forecast has declined. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released this statement:
“Although not unexpected, today's historically low forecast is the latest example of citrus greening's continued devastation of Florida's citrus industry. Until a long-term solution is discovered, which some of our state's brightest minds are working on, we must support Florida's multi-billion dollar citrus industry and the more than 60,000 jobs it supports.”
Full story by Fresh From Florida, here. Also read more at the Orlando Sentinel, Southeast Farm Press, and the AP.
See also:
» Citrus farmers looking for rebound after drop in latest forecast
Shareholders approve BE Aerospace acquisition
Airplane interior maker B/E Aerospace shareholders have approved the Wellington company’s acquisition by Rockwell Collins of Iowa for $6.4 billion, which means the company will no longer be a Palm Beach County headquarters company. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Automated delivery drones could be coming to Florida's sidewalks
Florida could become the first state to legalize drones to deliver goods right to your front door. These aren’t the flying ones you probably have seen but robots that ride on the sidewalk. [Source: WPTV]
Florida House votes to kill Enterprise Florida, cut Visit Florida
The House voted to eliminate Enterprise Florida and impose strict oversight measures on Visit Florida, a move that drew a strong rebuke from Gov. Rick Scott amid an ongoing GOP feud over the programs. One bill, HB 7005, gets rid of Enterprise Florida along with other incentive programs aimed at attracting businesses to the state. The other, HB 9, requires Visit Florida to boost its private funding, undergo legislative review of its contracts and puts the public-private group under the direct supervision of the state. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida judge denies 'Stand Your Ground' defense for former police officer
A Florida judge has denied a "'stand your ground" defense for a retired Florida police officer who fatally shot a man in a movie theater over texting. Judge Susan Barthle ruled Friday that 74-year-old Curtis Reeves must stand trial in the death of 43-year-old Chad Oulson. See the judge's ruling here. Also read more at the AP and the Tampa Bay Times.
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Bello Nock
Circus performer Bello Nock talks about his upbringing and lessons learned during his daredevil days:
"My parents came to America in the 1950s, one to headline and one to star in the Ringling circus. Father was a daredevil. I’d say he was the Russell Crowe of circus: A very tough guy."
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