Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/27/2018

Efforts underway to ease Florida’s Space Coast launch congestion

The good news for Florida’s Space Coast is that the launch industry is booming there once again. The bad news is that this launch boom is creating some headaches for the companies involved, as well as for NASA and the U.S. Air Force. More from Space News.

Plantation subprime car loan firm files for bankruptcy

Summit Financial Corp. of Plantation, which has written subprime car loans for consumers since 1984, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid rising delinquencies among borrowers. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

New deal for The District in Jacksonville has $56 million in property tax rebates

A new proposal for turning vacant riverfront land on downtown’s Southbank into an ambitious development called The District would have the city provide up to $56 million in property tax rebates and as much as $26.4 million for constructing public improvements, such as extending the riverwalk and building waterfront parks. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Company files lawsuit challenging Orlando's medical marijuana rules

A company that planned to open a medical marijuana dispensary south of downtown Orlando is challenging the city’s ordinance regulating such businesses, alleging it violates state law. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida ride sharing website targets homebound seniors

The University of Florida is teaming up with state transportation officials to help find rides for homebound seniors. Researchers say lack of transportation can have a big impact on seniors and keep them from medical appointments and socializing with others. More from the AP.

Out of the Box
Princess Carriage Rentals

A company rents princess carriage strollers for tourists to use at Magic Kingdom. It looks straight out of a fairytale, but it comes with up to a $300 a day cost.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida History
The Tower Hotel

The Tower Hotel in Little Havana has lived many lives. Built in 1920, it's been a YMCA, a World War II hospital, a haunt for jazz musicians Billie Holiday, Count Basie, and Chet Baker, the Tower Apartments and the Tower Hotel, and, most recently, the home of an immersive theater experience.