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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Hefty rate increases approved for Citizens Insurance customers
Most home and business owners who have insurance with state-created Citizen Property Insurance are in for a rate hike next year. The degree to which the rates for multi-peril coverage will increase — or in some areas go down — depends on where the property is located. See the order from FOIR establishing rates for Citizens, here. Also read more at CBS Miami, Insurance Journal, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Mississippi bank to buy Florida institution for $32 million
An acquisitive Mississippi bank is buying a bank in Florida's capital city. The First Bancshares Inc. of Hattiesburg announced Wednesday that it's buying Sunshine Financial Inc. of Tallahassee, Florida for $32 million in stock and cash. More from the AP.
Puerto Rican population growth reshapes Central Florida
Orange and Osceola counties led the United States with the largest increases in numbers of new residents from Puerto Rico, according to the latest 2016 Census data released today compared with 2010. Hillsborough County ranked third. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Miami International Boat Show faces manatee stricture
Miami-Dade’s Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources is recommending a variance and permit for an 830-slip temporary dock for the next five Miami International Boat Shows on Virginia Key with an unusual manatee protection stricture attached that could trigger an instant change in plans. More from Miami Today.
Florida may finally get real texting and driving laws
After years of stymieing efforts to toughen Florida’s distracted driving laws, leadership in the Florida House will introduce a bill this week that could finally make texting behind the wheel a primary offense. More from WTSP and Local 10.
Out of the Box
In Miami, it’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s ... a flock of drones?
Miami’s Faena district is being overtaken for several nights by a large, iridescent swarm, sweeping across the sky in a seemingly choreographed routine. The mass is made up, not of birds, but of drones: 300 of them, each equipped with a light source.
» Read more from the New York Times.
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