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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
What will Eta do? Why even the experts are having a hard time predicting the storm's path
As Tropical Depression Eta moves away from Central America and out toward the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters say it's still too early to tell where the storm is headed. The current track could take the system near or over portions of extreme southern Florida by late this weekend or early next week, but there is low confidence in the forecast, especially at 3 to 5 days, according to the National Hurricane Center. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Orlando Sentinel.
College football in the COVID-19 era: The economic impact of a restricted season
Every year, the arrival of cooler temperatures signals the beginning of an important season to many Floridians: college football season. Yet unlike previous years, this football season is shaping up to be unmatched in history. Stadiums that once filled with fans now lie mostly dormant as capacity limits and social distancing measures have become the norm. More from Florida TaxWatch.
The verdict on remote jury trials: Mixed results
The 4th Judicial Circuit conducted two remote civil jury trials to a binding verdict, one in August and one in September. The circuit, comprising Clay, Duval and Nassau counties, was one of five circuits selected by the state Supreme Court to participate in a remote trial pilot project. The trial in August was the first concluded in the U.S. since the COVID-19 health crisis forced courthouses across the nation to close in March. More from the Jacksoville Daily Record.
St. Petersburg’s Doyle Wealth Management acquired by Canadian firm
Doyle Wealth Management was acquired by the Canadian investment firm CI Financial, the Toronto firm announced this week. It is the first Florida acquisition by one of Canada’s biggest investment and wealth management firms, which has spent 2020 growing its U.S. portfolio. CI Financial did not release any financial details about the transaction. The company said Doyle Wealth Management oversees $1.1 billion in assets. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Longwood residents oppose developer’s plan to buy city buildings
A developer’s pitch to buy Longwood’s City Hall and other properties at a bargain basement price in exchange for the hope that creating a more vibrant downtown is drawing intensifying criticism in the suburban Seminole County community. Former Apopka chief administrator-turned-lobbyist Richard Anderson is championing the deal along with Ben Paris, who just left his post as a Longwood commissioner because he resigned to pursue a failed bid for a county commission seat. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Dining
What is ahi watermelon? Find out at this new plant-based Asian restaurant in Cocowalk
The newly renovated CocoWalk is getting a stylish new Asian restaurant — with a twist. The twist is in the name: Planta Queen in Coconut Grove from Chase Hospitality Group will serve the bao buns, sushi, nigiri and dumplings you might expect from an Asian restaurant. But this brand — which is also responsible for Planta South Beach — serves only plant-based options on its menu.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Transportation
Naples to Tampa in 15 minutes? 'Loopy' idea could make it a reality
For all the joys of living and working in the Tampa Bay area, one of the region’s less appealing traits — some might call it an Achilles’ heel — is transportation. Traffic congestion has eased somewhat during the pandemic, but that (hopefully) won’t last. The region and state’s booming population means alternative modes of transportation will need to be part of long-term planning. Courtesy of a $1 million state grant, the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority has poured resources into a study of what it would take to bring a 700 mph Hyperloop bullet train to the Gulf Coast.
» Read more from the Business Observer.
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