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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Supreme Court temporarily blocks felons from voting in Florida
The Supreme Court refused Thursday to let Florida felons who have completed their sentences vote in an upcoming primary without first paying fees, fines and restitution, as the state requires. Voting rights groups had challenged the requirement as unconstitutional, given that state voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2018 giving hundreds of thousands of felons the right to vote. Now it will remain in effect while the case is heard next month by a federal appeals court. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the Tampa Bay Times, and USA Today.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Cyber-criminals get trickier as more people work from home
Since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March, cyber-criminals have upped their game considerably, says Dominic Sanfilippo, president and owner of IT services company CMIT Solutions in Jacksonville. “There’s been a huge increase in the phishing e-mails — acting as if they’re coming from the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” says Sanfilippo. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida sees record high 156 coronavirus deaths, record hospitalizations
Florida saw a record-high number of deaths announced on Thursday, recording 156 people dead from coronavirus over 24 hours. The number passes the previous record high, which was recorded on Tuesday. The 7-day death average continued upward, moving from about 91 people per day up to about 96 people dead per day. Since March, 4,782 people statewide have died from the virus. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Publix says it will require customers at all stores to wear masks
Publix says it will now require customers to wear face masks in all of its locations, even those that don’t fall under local mask orders. Starting July 21, all Publix locations will have signs posted saying shoppers must wear masks. Stores will also have in-store announcements made regularly reminding shoppers to wear masks and stay 6 feet away from others. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Orlando Sentinel.
Epcot’s revised food and wine fest: What you should know before you go
The Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2020 debuted July 15 as the Walt Disney World park reopened to the public. The annual food and wine fest, which is celebrating its 25th year, usually starts at the end of August and features a plethora of global marketplaces, but this year, the event has been modified amid the coronavirus pandemic. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Employers & tomorrow's workplace heroes
During this spring’s Coronavirus / COVID-19 outbreak, society applauded heroes like first responders and health care workers, retail clerks, municipal employees, and other essential service providers. As the economy moves toward recovery, our next heroes will be employers opening their doors – and those with disabilities who are eager to help drive the engines of commerce. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Will Miami have to lock down again? Mayor, business owners to talk as COVID surges
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on Thursday announced he plans to meet with about 25 business leaders to discuss “the possibility of a future lockdown” if the spread of COVID-19 is not dramatically reduced in the next few weeks. “I think it’s important we communicate with the business community before making any decisions, and I want to get their sentiments. I want to listen to them,” Suarez said.
› Hispanic Women of Distinction luncheon postponed
The 19th annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Luncheon has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. “During these uncertain times, to ensure the safety of our 13 honorees and our hundreds of guests, the 19th annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Luncheon has been rescheduled from Friday, August 28 to Friday, November 20, 2020,“ said Elaine Miceli-Vásquez, producer of the event.
› Curry offers $1.34B Jacksonville budget; no tax rate change
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry offered a $1.34 billion budget Wednesday that leaves tax rates unchanged and represents nearly status quo spending after a year of extraordinary challenges from the coronavirus pandemic. “We need to recognize what a difference a year can make,” said Curry, who described his spending plan as the result of “my steadfast commitment to being a responsible steward” of public money.
› Orlando airport braces for another slowdown
Orlando International Airport is bracing for a slowdown in the hoped-for summer rebound of tourists and other passengers because of the state’s record-setting spike in coronavirus cases. “We’ve seen press reports today and we’ve been notified that Delta and Spirit among others are going to be pulling seats out of the market in August,” airport director Phil Brown said Wednesday during a Greater Orlando Aviation Authority board meeting.
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