Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 11/15/2017

Florida delegation divided on extending flood insurance program

If Congress lets the National Flood Insurance Program lapse, thousands of real estate transactions and construction projects in flood-prone areas could be affected. Florida has 35 percent of the nation’s 5 million policies. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.

Frost Museum of Science passes half-million visitor mark

After opening its doors to the public sixth months ago, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science has seen strong attendance, a spokesman said, resulting in an expansion of its planetarium shows and exhibitions. More from Miami Today.

Seminole Heights killings worry Realtors but impact so far is limited

Four unsolved killings in a month have definitely shaken Seminole Heights. Less certain is whether they are hurting one of Tampa Bay's hottest real estate markets. Some agents say they've seen no effect at all. Others are getting nervous. More from TBO.com.

Gov. Rick Scott’s budget proposal includes $22M for citrus, greening research

The proposed 2018-19 state budget Gov. Rick Scott unveiled on Tuesday includes $22 million for the state’s struggling citrus industry, including $10 million for the Citrus Research and Development Foundation based in Lake Alfred, which is leading the search for a greening solution. More from the Lakeland Ledger.

Building a qualified workforce a top concern for Florida Chamber

There are 221,000 jobs looking for people and 383,000 people looking for jobs, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which names building a qualified workforce as a top concern for job creators. More from the Orlando Business Journal.

Health Technology
Florida Hospital first with new robotic surgery system

Florida Hospital is the first in the nation to buy a robotic system for minimally invasive surgeries in the abdomen that uses eye-tracking technology, allowing surgeons to control the laparoscopic camera with their eyes.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel. Also see the company announcement, here.

Out of the Box
Florida snow

An invasive flower sometimes referred to as "Florida snow" is blooming again this year along road medians, shoulders and in yards throughout the Space Coast. The slowly growing blizzard has started to cover grassy strips in large patches throughout Viera, Suntree and elsewhere in the county.