Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/27/2017

Opioid funding, reforms proposed for Florida

Several proposals to combat the opioid epidemic are circulating through the Florida House and Senate. They include $50 million in funding for resources, and a three-day limit on prescribed opioids, unless strict conditions are met for a seven-day supply. It would also require all prescribers to participate in the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program - which helps prevent doctor shopping. See the full story from WUSF.

Orlando-based ITEC juggles projects in booming Asian theme park industry

ITEC Entertainment, an Orlando-based company that designs and builds attractions, is expecting to capitalize next year on the flurry of growth in Asia in the theme park industry, with work on projects such as a $1.8 billion amusement park in China, a castle that houses attractions on a mountain in Vietnam and a mixed-use space with a water park. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Average Florida gas prices tick up to close out year

While the sudden uptick in gas prices drove up some prices at the pump, AAA officials said the state average was still only 3 cents higher than a year ago after a year that saw much higher prices after hurricanes battered the Gulf Coast and Florida in August and September. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Lottery releases investigative report in contract termination

Florida Lottery officials have released an investigative document that explains why the lottery contract with Panhandle Package was terminated a few weeks ago. Officials say a jackpot-ticket investigation was opened in August regarding the $30 million winning "Lotto with Xtra" ticket from July 19. More from the Jackson County Floridian.

South Florida company inks $1.1 billion sale

A subsidiary of Sun Capital Partners Inc. has sold Aclara Technologies LLC, a maker of smart infrastructure products, for $1.1 billion. The Boca Raton-based private equity firm made the trade with Connecticut-based Hubbell Inc. See the full company announcement here. Also read more at the South Florida Business Journal.

Public Safety
How dangerous is driving on New Year's in Florida?

Lately, New Year’s Day has been one of the most dangerous for drivers in Florida. From 2014 to 2016, 34 deadly crashes happened on the holiday in the state, according to federal data, an average of more than 11 each year.

» More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Branding Trends
Miami Marathon

Runners, walkers and all-around fitness buffs take note: the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon has a new title sponsor. The race, expected to approach a field of 25,000 representing all 50 states and more than 80 countries in its 16th running on Jan. 28, will become the Fitbit Miami Marathon and Half Marathon.