March 29, 2024

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 5/9/2018

At height of opioid crisis, some Florida treatment programs face deep cuts

Drug treatment, mental health and community re-entry programs across Florida are facing a deadline this week to sign revised contracts with the nation’s third-largest prison system that will cut services almost in half — at the height of a raging opioid crisis. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Near-record breaking spending expected in Florida as consumers celebrate Mother's Day

The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 80 years, says Florida mothers will be showered with gifts from their family members this year, as spending for Mother’s Day is expected to reach $180 per person. More from Florida Trend.

Florida Trend Exclusive
Demographic Profile: What Florida looks like today

Florida’s statewide demographics reflect a diverse state.

  • 54.9% — non-Hispanic white
  • 24.9% — Hispanic
  • 16.8% — non-Hispanic black
  • 3.4% — non-Hispanic “other”

That diversity is spread very unevenly throughout the state, however, few of Florida’s counties or communities resemble those statewide averages. We identify the ZIP codes most - and least - like Florida overall. Full story here.

Harris adds parental leave benefit for births, adoptions

Harris Corp. is adding parental leave benefits that include full pay for up to 4 weeks for mothers and fathers. The policy applies to births and adoptions. A spokesman said Harris aims to "enhance its workplace and attract new talent." More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Embraer floats new way to move around town: An electric taxi cab

If and when the skies turn into something similar to "The Jetsons," Embraer's facilities in Melbourne could be a key player. In fact, it already is to some extent. On Tuesday, Embraer X, an Embraer offshoot based at the Orlando Melbourne International Airport, unveiled concept images of its first electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing, or eVTOL aircraft. More from Florida Today.

Transportation
With more riders each year, Miami wants to expand free trolley system

 Every time Miami adds a new route to its popular trolley system, it attracts more riders — so many that the county typically cuts bus service in that area. But demand is still growing, which is why the city manager is proposing to spend another $1.4 million on new trolleys in Little Haiti and Flagami.

» More from the Miami Herald.

 

Sports Business
As it courts Wrestlemania, Tampa can boast some major wrestling moments

floridaLast week's news that Tampa has made a formal bid to host an upcoming Wrestlemania (in 2023, '24 or '25) had fans eliciting as many whooos as Ric Flair on espresso. Stands to reason. Professional wrestling is embedded in bay area lore, producing legions of local fans who have shoehorned themselves into venues both stuffy (Fort Homer Hesterly Armory) and swank (Amalie Arena) over the decades to watch their beloved pastime.

» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

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Florida Trend Video Pick

Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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