SHARE:
Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Flood insurance reform front unusually quiet in Florida
Floridian activists have pressed Congress for years to stop a program that would dramatically raise flood insurance rates for residents in older, flood-prone areas that previously got lower, subsidized rates. Yet, following the hurricanes, that previously vocal front for flood insurance reform is relatively quiet. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida to debut online voter registration on Sunday
— On Sunday, Florida will join 35 other states in offering online voter registration to its residents. Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner says his department is ready to launch the RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov website in compliance with a 2015 law. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Building a high-tech community, on Florida's Space Coast
A growing network of small, high-tech start-up companies popping up on the Space Coast could lead to more innovative talent moving to the area and setting up shop. More from Florida Today.
Bradenton to consider ban on more marijuana dispensaries
With one medical marijuana dispensary open, the city of Bradenton intends to prevent any others from setting up shop within its boundaries. The City Council will conduct a public hearing on an ordinance that indefinitely extends a moratorium. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Gainesville leaders bat around ‘big ideas’ to boost economy
After a citizens’ committee pored over roughly 450 “big ideas” that could reshape Gainesville’s economy, the group listed creating a “private-public ambassador” to be a liaison between public projects and private developers as one of its best. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Out of the Box
Panama City's four-headed palm
Officials in Florida’s Panhandle say the outlook for a one-of-a-kind four-headed palm tree isn't good. An expert study found that the Pindo palm in Panama City is in "irreversible decline" because of a number of factors including age, structural deformities, root death and likely a lightning strike.
» More from the Panama City News Herald and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Florida Innovation
Germ fighter
BlueWave, which operates out of the Innovation Hub at the University of Florida, says it has developed technology that disinfects objects rapidly without harming the environment. After receiving angel funding, BlueWave hopes to bring the device to full production later this year.
» Read the story from Florida Trend, here.
In case you missed it:
