Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/5/2018

Praised by Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis enters Florida governor race

With a virtual endorsement from President Donald Trump and a finance team packed with national heavyweights, Republican U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis is entering the 2018 race for Florida governor. More from the Palm Beach Post., Politico, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and the AP.

Experts: Florida likely not a target in federal government move to restrict marijuana

Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions announced Thursday that the federal government will take a more aggressive approach to marijuana laws, although it’s not clear how any shift in enforcement might affect Florida’s fast-growing cannabis industry. More from the Palm Beach Post and the Tampa Bay Times.

Frigid Florida temps prompt run on space heaters, crop concerns

Florida awoke today to a second round of temperatures in the 20s and 30s, wind-chill advisories and crop concerns — lingering tolls of a storm that beat at the Northeast Thursday like a frozen hurricane. More from the Palm Beach Post.

Solar company seeks big incentives to bring 800 jobs to Jacksonville

An unnamed solar company is looking to set up its U.S. headquarters in Jacksonville -- creating 800 jobs in the next two years -- but they’re asking the city and state for more than $53 million in early incentives to seal the deal. More from Action News Jax.

Flu activity widespread and increasing in Florida

Flu activity is increasing sharply across the state, averaging above the last two years’ peak levels at this time, according to the latest flu report from the state health department. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Sports Business
Jaguars owner donates tickets to refugees

Owner Shad Khan and the Jaguars Foundation announced that the team has donated 1,000 tickets for Sunday’s game – 500 apiece to refugees from around the world who have settled in the Jacksonville area and to Puerto Ricans and their families who have been displaced and currently reside in the north and central Florida.

» More from the Florida Times-Union.

Business Profile
Ray's Vegan Soul

Ray’s Vegan Soul has been open — officially — for three weeks, but the restaurant has been Ray Milton’s dream for years. The chef saw a need for delicious food that also was healthy. "Our diet in our community is killing us," he said.