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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Hurricane Irma: 100 days later
In the 100 days since the Sept. 10 presidential disaster declaration following Hurricane Irma’s destructive path through Florida, the state, with help from federal partners, has progressed from a response to significant recovery. As of Dec. 14, federal agencies have provided more than $2.49 billion to help cover losses caused by Hurricane Irma [Source: Apopka Voice]
See also:
» Irma insurance claims near 866,000
» Businesses hurt by Irma have until June 11 to apply for SBA loans
» Florida Reps review state's hurricane response plan after Hurricane Irma
» Will shelters for 35,000 be enough for the next hurricane?
» 99 days later, Hurricane Irma debris finally gone
Investigation concludes Sen. Jack Latvala’s conduct may be criminal
A Florida Senate investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Sen. Jack Latvala could now go before a criminal prosecutor after a retired judge found that the Clearwater Republican may have committed both sexual harassment and sexual assault against multiple women. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the AP.
Congress moves closer to approving aid for Florida's citrus growers
Florida’s citrus growers can nearly taste the orange aid for which they’ve been thirsting. The latest $81 billion disaster relief bill House leaders have crafted would include $2.6 billion for hurricane-related agriculture relief. [Source: Naples Daily News]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Orlando envisions a sports-theme plan under an I-4 overpass
I-4 cuts an unsightly gash through downtown Orlando, creating an elevated obstacle that separates the central business and nightlife district from the city’s sports venues. The “Under i” plan calls for turning mostly parking spaces below the interstate downtown into a recreational area. Go to article (part of a business news roundup for central Florida).
Florida’s minimum wage set to rise to $8.25
Florida’s minimum wage will rise from $8.10 to $8.25 an hour on Jan. 1, one of 18 states in line for a hike in the new year along with 20 cities and municipalities. A report from the National Employment Law Project estimates that once all the increases are fully phased in, 15 million workers will see raises. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Wages not keeping up with booming job growth in Southwest Florida
Last week, Smart Asset named Cape Coral as its "Top Boomtown" in the U.S. for its job growth in 2017. But worker's wages aren't keeping up with the higher job demand.
› NC bank expands Florida presence with deal
HomeBancorp Inc. and its subsidiary, HomeBanc, are being acquired by Raleigh, N.C.-based First Citizens Bank in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, cash consideration of $15.03 will be paid to the shareholders of HomeBancorp for each share of HomeBancorp’s common stock. Also read more at Business Observer.
› Top GRU officials face complaint
The highest-ranking official at Gainesville Regional Utilities is the subject of a harassment investigation following a series of emails sent last month to city employees and the city’s human resources director.
› Tampa International Airport hasn’t suffered an Atlanta-style loss of power, but it is prepared for one
Tampa International Airport sees about one-fifth as many passengers as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, but a major power outage there could cause disruptions to air travel, too.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
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