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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Is Florida a test case for coronavirus herd immunity? Experts warn it’s deadly
The answer from Gov. Ron DeSantis is an emphatic yes. And, whether Floridians know it or not, he is pursuing a policy that will allow the virus to spread freely in the state until most of the population becomes infected — or is vaccinated with a yet-to-be obtained vaccine — while attempting to protect those thought to be most vulnerable. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Tampa business owners worry about another shutdown as cases of COVID-19 surge in Florida
This year has been difficult with a mandatory business shutdown because of the pandemic. “Obviously financially, we took a hit being closed. We did use the opportunity to do a little cleaning and getting ready to reopen,” said Mike Makula with the Acropolis restaurant. Like many businesses, they are concerned about the rising number of coronavirus cases and the possibility of another shutdown. [Source: WFLA]
Lockheed Martin plans new Titusville factory
Lockheed’s real estate arm LMC Properties Inc. on Nov. 6 filed plans with the state for renovations and construction near its Titusville campus. Lockheed’s plans call for the construction of a factory and the renovation of an office building and warehouse already on the property. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]
Florida bank that went global to survive eyes growth at home
The $169 million-asset Anchor Bank in Palm Beach Gardens has agreed to buy the $58 million-asset Home Federal Bank of Hollywood in Hallandale Beach for an undisclosed sum. For CEO Nelson Hinojosa, the deal, announced last week, could be game-changing. It would move Anchor into Broward County, giving it a South Florida trifecta that includes Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties [Source: American Banker]
Federal court to hear antitrust fight between Florida health insurers
A federal appeals court next week will wade into a battle about whether Florida Blue, the state’s largest health insurer, violated antitrust laws by preventing agents from selling policies for a rival insurance company. Oscar Insurance Company of Florida went to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a district judge sided with Florida Blue in the dispute, which is rooted in Oscar’s entrance in 2018 into the market for individual health insurance policies in the Orlando area. [Source: News Service of Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Coronavirus shutdown of cruise industry further impacts Florida
The coronavirus continues to impact Florida’s tourism industry, now forcing cruise lines to shut down their U.S. offerings for the remainder of the year.
› Brevard arts, cultural groups seek to persuade County Commission to approve 40 grants
Representatives of Brevard County's arts and cultural sector will be seeking to persuade county commissioners on Tuesday to approve $175,000 in grants for 40 organizations and events.
› UF Health enrolls its first patients to begin clinical trials to treat COVID-19
UF Health is one of hundreds of medical centers internationally, participating in this trial. UF Researchers are hoping to enroll at least 20 patients so they can develop a potential treatment.
› ProduceIQ: Tropical Storm Eta threatens Florida growing regions
A late arrival to hurricane season, Tropical Storm Eta may be particularly disruptive if it sends heavy rains to Florida’s growing regions.
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