Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 8/30/2017

Mexico wants to strengthen its trade relationship with Florida

Mexican officials are hoping to strengthen trade ties with Florida. Mexico’s foreign affairs undersecretary Carlos Sada said he wants to see import and export revenue between his country and Florida rival that of border states like Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. More from WGCU.

South Florida home prices rising slower than other areas nationwide

South Florida’s housing market may be hot, but other major markets across the country are even hotter. Prices in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties rose 5 percent in June from a year ago. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Growth, development again tops annual survey of Sarasota County

Population growth and new development overwhelmingly topped the list of issues concerning Sarasota County residents, a new survey shows. It was the fourth-straight year growth and development have far outpaced any other concerns. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Orange mayor seeks more transparency for Visit Orlando

Five days after state House Speaker Richard Corcoran vowed a crackdown on Visit Orlando and other tourism agencies, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs is calling for the group to disclose details of major sponsorship agreements when its contract with the county is renewed in 2018. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

St. Petersburg proposal would require solar panels on new homes and major roof repairs

If you're building a new house or putting on a new roof next year, and your place is bigger than 1,100 square feet, then St. Petersburg city officials may require you to install solar panels. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Around the State
Directing Development in Lake County

Lake County, which has become the leading edge of metro Orlando’s suburban sprawl, has devised a new impact-fee incentive program aimed at steering home builders toward vacant lots in older or blighted areas of the county.

» More from Florida Trend.

Profile
Chef Carlos Garcia

Chef Carlos Garcia, who has one of the top-ranked restaurants in Latin America, has been struggling to keep Venezuela's Alto afloat amid the chaos in his country, including violent protests and food shortages. He has established U.S. residency, and is opening another, Obra, in Brickell to help offset the unpredictability in his home country.