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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Hurricane Harvey isn’t hitting Florida — but it may hit gas prices
Floridians may feel a hit at the gas pump as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Texas this weekend. The hurricane is forecasted to intensify into a Category 3 storm with winds of at least 111 mph by the time it hits the Texas coast. More from the Miami Herald and WTXL.
See also:
» Hurricane Harvey could be major storm, threatening one-third of US refining capacity
Florida rice cultivation is on the rise
Rice is one of the most popular menu items at restaurants and kitchen tables throughout Florida. Yet, Florida consumers may be surprised to know the rice at their local supermarket is likely to have been locally grown by their neighbors in western Palm Beach County. [Source: Belle Glade Sun]
Opioid addicts find fraud at Florida recovery centers
Rather than working to get people well, a growing number of unscrupulous industry players are focusing on getting addicts to relapse so that insurance dollars keep rolling in, according to law enforcement officials, treatment experts and addicts in recovery. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the AP.
A trip to Walmart's innovation store in Florida reveals new shopping perks
With all the doom and gloom about the state of the retail industry, it isn't easy to find a company other than Amazon that is considered a bright spot among the ongoing narrative of declining sales and shuttered stores. But Walmart is proving it will not go gentle into that good night. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Despite scrutiny Florida's tourism agency paid out bonuses
Florida's tourism marketing agency paid nearly $441,000 in employee bonuses this summer despite months of scrutiny from legislators over spending. A Visit Florida spokesman said the use of bonuses was approved in May 2016. [Source: AP]
See also:
» Bonuses could be targeted at Enterprise Florida
› Port Canaveral expects to exceed $100M budget milestone
Port Canaveral could reach a financial milestone in the coming budget year. Its projected annual revenue is expected to top $100 million for the first time ever in the budget year that begins Oct. 1.
› Sunrise-based Sawgrass Mutual agrees to 'wind down' insurance operation
Sunrise-based Sawgrass Mutual Insurance Co. is winding down its insurance operations and apparently headed out of business, according to a consent order made public this week by state insurance regulators
› Florida House will investigate where legislator lives
House Speaker Richard Corcoran on Thursday created a special committee to look into allegations that Rep. Daisy Baez, a Democrat from the Miami area, has not been living in her district during most or all of her time in the House.
› Paul Thorpe, ‘Mr. Downtown’ Sarasota, dies at 91
City and community officials are mourning the loss this week of legendary Sarasota leader Paul Thorpe, affectionately known as “Mr. Downtown.” Remembered for his kindness and humility, community leaders contend Thorpe never sought credit for the multitude of roles to promote the heart of the city.
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