Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/6/2017

Big issues remain at mid-point of legislative session

Halfway through Florida's 60-day legislative session, almost all major issues remain unresolved. The House and Senate will have to resolve key differences if they hope to end the session as scheduled May 5. See an update on 10 major issues from News4Jax and the Tampa Bay Times.

First 2017 hurricane forecast calls for below-average season, 11 named storms

The first hurricane forecast of 2017 from Colorado State University's Department of Atmospheric Science calls for a slightly below average season and 11 named storms this year. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Boca Raton-based Geo Group closes $360 million acquisition

Geo Group on Thursday announced it has closed the $360 million acquisition of Community Education Centers in an all-cash deal. The Boca Raton-based real estate investment trust, which operates private prisons, first announced the deal in February. More from the South Florida Business Journal.

Central Florida gas prices soar with spring driving season

Central Florida’s gas prices increased 9 cents a gallon Wednesday to catch up to national and state averages. Demand for gasoline is increasing as the weather warms, according to the latest report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

10 pythons in 10 days earn Florida hunters whopping bounties

Ten invasive Burmese pythons have been captured by paid hunters working for the South Florida Water Management District, bringing them a total of $2,000 in bonuses based on length. More from WFTV.

Editor's Page
Strong Learners

The three-day Commissioner’s Academic Challenge has been around since 1986. Every school system in Florida can field a team. Teams compete in one of three divisions, depending on the size of the district. Over the course of three days, successive rounds winnow the divisional competitors to three teams that vie for the championship in their division.