Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 9/13/2017

Irma death toll rises, Florida Keys ravaged almost beyond recognition

As the death toll from Hurricane Irma climbs to 23 in the United States, residents of the Florida Keys are returning to a much different landscape than the one they left last week. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 90 percent of homes in the Florida Keys suffered some damage. More from ABC News, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and Seafood Source.

Insurer urges: 'File a claim. It won't count against you'

It might sound strange, but the founder and president of one of Florida’s major insurance companies has a message for anyone who thinks they might have sustained damage from Hurricane Irma: “File a claim. It won’t count against you.” More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

SeaWorld, Busch Gardens offer BOGO tickets to Floridians

SeaWorld Orlando theme park is offering a “buy one, get one free” ticket offer for Florida residents for a limited time. The attraction calls it a “Florida Neighbor Offer” and presents it as a respite from the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, which run the length of the Sunshine State this week. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Banks in Miami using new digital payment network

Banks in Miami – and across the country – have begun using real-time mobile and online person-to-person payments to compete with companies like Venmo that offer money movement tech directly to consumers. More from Miami Today.

Florists also feeling impact of Hurricane Irma with fewer flowers on the way

While the hurricane has started to calm, the ripple effect of the aftermath is already stretching all the way to Canada's flower shops. The Miami International Airport is one of the main shipping centers for most of the flowers from South America. More from the CBC.

Florida Law
Column: An ounce of prevention

A situation that requires appointment of a receiver is challenging. Beware of exorbitant fees that can make a bad situation worse. [Sponsored report] » Full report.

Out of the Box
Chainsaw-wielding Nun helps clean up South Florida community

The habit to help your community can be a hard one to break, especially if you are a nun. Miami-Dade police shared video of Sister Margaret Ann cleaning up after Hurricane Irma. The chainsaw-toting sister is seen cutting into a tree that fell during the storm.