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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Gov. Rick Scott taps Jackie Schutz Zeckman to be Chief of Staff
Gov. Rick Scott has named longtime spokeswoman Jackie Schutz Zeckman — who has held official and political jobs for Scott — to be his chief of staff beginning July 1. Zeckman’s dual experience could be significant as Scott, who faces term limits next year, is widely expected to launch a 2018 campaign for the seat of Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson. See the full news release here, and read more at the Palm Beach Post.
Are Florida home prices rising too fast?
Consumers already apprehensive about affordable housing in South Florida will take little comfort in the latest price increases for existing single-family homes. The median price in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties hit $318,000, an 11 percent boost from the first quarter of 2016. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Builder.
After 3 months, William Berman resigns as president of AutoNation
William Berman, who was just named president of Fort Lauderdale-based AutoNation in February, has resigned from the position, the nation’s largest automotive retailer announced. Mike Jackson, AutoNation's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will assume all operating responsibilities as AutoNation begins the selection process for a new President and Chief Operating Officer. Jackson, stated, "I thank Bill for his 20 years of service and leadership at AutoNation. We wish Bill all the best in his future endeavors." Full statement from AutoNation is here. Also read more at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Stalking pythons: Florida Lt. governor joins Everglades hunt
South Florida Water Management District spokesman Randy Smith says Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez Cantera went hunting Monday night with one of 25 hunters hired to kill pythons on district property. More from the AP.
2,100 wildfires have burned in Florida since start of year
State officials say 170,000 acres in Florida have burned from wildfires since the start of the year. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said that more than 127 active fires were burning in Florida as of Monday. More from CBS Miami.
Florida History
The secret Florida land deal that became Walt Disney World
» More from the Miami Herald.
Profile
The Cavanaugh Co. and Black Diamond Strings
Most people don’t know that Black Diamond guitar strings are made in Sarasota. Most musicians don’t know — even if they understand the part Black Diamond has played in American popular music.
» Read more from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
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