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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida lawmakers' special session in jeopardy before it even begins
A special session of the Legislature, intended to finalize a deal inked behind closed doors last week on education and economic development, is falling apart before it even begins. Gov. Rick Scott had summoned legislators back to the capitol to work on funding K-12 education and Visit Florida, and work on the creation of a new economic development agency. But consensus is collapsing. Now Senate President Joe Negron is asking lawmaker to address hospital funding and override some of Scott's vetoes. An on-time finish for the session might not happen on Friday. [Source: Times/Herald]
See also:
» 11 lawmakers will miss at least part of Florida’s special session
» Legislature still debating medical marijuana legislation
Quick poll:
» Which of these do you hope the Florida Legislature will accomplish in this 3-day special session? (Answer selections include: funding for education, override Scott's vetoes of projects at state universities, and more.)
Can ocean science bring Cuba and the United States together?
Cuba is inextricably linked to its neighbor countries, especially the United States. These two nations have been adversaries for over 60 years, but their common backyard is an ocean filled with limited shared resources. [Source: The Conversation]
Seminole-owned business strikes deal with marijuana-industry firm
In a move that could have major implications for the medical marijuana industry, a Seminole-owned company is taking the first step toward setting up marijuana-growing operations on Native American land. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Miami Herald.
Florida scientists find way to surgically strike out weeds that impede crop growth
By using a combination of fumigants, University of Florida scientists believe they can surgically strike out some weeds that otherwise get in the way of vegetable growth. Researchers say this will help growers as they try to manage pests in areas where they cause the most trouble. Full story from UF IFAS, here.
Russian hackers pretended to be Florida company in phishing expedition
In the most detailed U.S. account yet of Russian interference in last year's election, the Intercept reported Monday about a top secret National Security Agency document that revealed a cyberattack on a U.S. voting software supplier. The company, V.R. Systems, is based in Tallahassee. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
See also:
» Phishing expedition: At least 5 Florida counties targeted by Russian election hack
› Opioid overdoses overwhelm South Florida's addiction centers
Treating addiction is big business in Florida. But some communities, overwhelmed by overdoses, are sending a message to the rest of America: Don't send your drug users here.
From Florida Trend:
» Addicted to rehab: A look at Florida's sober houses
› Destin looks at regulating beach wedding sites
The City Council on Monday agreed to move forward with a possible ordinance that could limit weddings on city-owned beach areas to June White Decker Park. Among other concerns, city officials said most public beach areas in Destin do not have enough parking to handle large wedding parties.
› Orlando shooting is latest in growing trend of workplace violence, expert says
The rampage that killed five employees at an Orlando area business that sells RV and camper awnings is part of an increasing trend of workplace violence, experts say.
› Florida death penalty-prosecutor fight heads to high court
Gov. Rick Scott and a Florida prosecutor who refuses to seek the death penalty will square off against each other before the state's high court.
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