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Wednesday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 5/16/2018

Florida files lawsuit against opioid makers and distributors

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Tuesday that she had filed "the most comprehensive lawsuit in the country" against the largest manufacturers and distributors of opioids, blaming them for creating an opioid crisis that has killed more than 10,000 Floridians. See Bondi's news release here, and the legal complaint here. Also read more at the Times/Herald, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and WFTV.

Florida hedge fund manager David Tepper to buy Carolina Panthers for $2.2 billion

David Tepper, the billionaire hedge fund founder, has agreed to buy the Carolina Panthers for an NFL-record of approximately $2.2 billion, according to people familiar with the sale. In December, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced he would sell the team he founded, shortly after allegations of workplace misconduct were reported by Sports Illustrated. See the announcement from the Carolina Panthers, here. Also read more at the Wall Street Journal and the AP.

Related, from Florida Trend
» Florida's super-rich

Extra long ballot in November causes concern for groups supporting property tax initiative

There's no organized opposition. Approving the ballot measure keeps the status quo. But supporting groups aren't taking any chances. That's in part because November's ballot promises to be a long one, with scores of races and proposed constitutional amendments, which can sometimes lead voters to skip questions or vote "no" more easily. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Court approves bankruptcy plan for Winn-Dixie's Jacksonville-based parent company

Southeastern Grocers’ Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan is a go after a judge approved it this week. Under the plan, the Jacksonville-based chain expects to reduce its debt by approximately $600 million and continue to operate more than 575 Winn Dixie, Bi-Lo, Fresco y Mas and Harveys stores in seven states, including Florida. More from WJCT and the Tampa Bay Times.

Battered by bleaching, Florida's coral reefs now face mysterious disease

Around the world, coral reefs are facing trouble. Coral bleaching, due in part to rising ocean temperatures, has stressed reefs, leaving them weakened and susceptible to disease. Now, in Florida, scientists are now struggling to combat a mysterious disease that's threatening the future of the world's third largest coral reef. [Source: NPR]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› A decade after scandal, Ray Sansom plots comeback [Tampa Bay Times]
It has been nearly a decade since former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom of Destin resigned amid allegations that he misused his office to steer tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer money to a friend and a local college.

› Amazon Prime chooses Florida for new Whole Foods discounts [Press Release]
Attention shoppers: Your Amazon Prime membership can now shave money off the groceries you buy at any Whole Foods location in Florida. Amazon announced Wednesday it is now offering an additional 10 percent off sale items to Prime members. Read more at the Miami Herald.

› Orlando area ranked No. 4 in nation for people to move to, pushing up home prices [Orlando Sentinel]
Orlando’s midpoint sales price for homes has risen for 82 straight months, according to April data that Orlando Regional Realtor Association released Tuesday. The midpoint price for all home types rose to $237,000, 10.3 percent year over year and 3 percent higher than a month earlier.

› Brightline picks Lyft for exclusive partnership [Palm Beach Post]
As Brightline prepares for the opening of its Miami station this weekend, the ride-sharing service Lyft announced it has inked an exclusive partnership with the private-rail company to help get travelers to their final destinations.

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