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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
More money sought for struggling citrus industry
As a forecast was lowered for Florida’s orange production, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday proposed increasing state funding for the struggling citrus industry by 5 percent. DeSantis included $29.2 million for the citrus industry as part of a proposed $99.7 billion budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1. The request was announced shortly before the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a report that forecast Florida’s citrus industry would produce enough oranges in the current growing season to fill 46 million 90-pound boxes, the common industry measurement. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Business Beat - Week of December 12th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida backs efforts to draw FIFA World Cup
Florida’s business-recruitment agency this week put $10 million into the pitch to help Orlando and Miami become host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. The Enterprise Florida Board of Directors agreed to provide $5 million for each of the cities’ efforts, which are being led by the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Christmas tree supply issues affect Florida farmers
If you haven’t thought about how you’ll get your Christmas tree this year, now might be the time. Supply chain issues, extreme weather events and shipping container shortages have led to problems for Christmas tree growers and retailers. Michael Songer, president of the Florida Christmas Tree Association, encouraged families to shop early and look for smaller trees to take home. [Source: WUFT]
Melinda Gates spending millions to give women greater opportunities in Miami’s tech sector
A national effort backed financially by billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates to advance gender equity in the technology industry is coming to Miami. Called the Gender Equality in Tech, Gates’ Pivotal Ventures said Thursday it plans to bring the initiative here as part of the company’s broader $50 million investment in gender equality in tech. Pivotal Ventures officials declined to disclose the amount that will be spent in Miami. ;[Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› ‘Oh, it’s a Coca-Cola plant!’ An old landmark comes back to life in downtown Fort Lauderdale
Long gone is a Coca-Cola bottling plant from the late 1930s that became a source of pride for Fort Lauderdale. It symbolized how the city was big and important enough to attract one, bringing with it jobs and a boost to the economy. And the plant’s huge display windows let families enjoy watching the workers bottle soft drinks.
› Controversial Florida turnpike extension meeting draws about 1,000 people
If the Florida Department of Transportation and the state legislature were dentists, there is no doubt they have hit a nerve during their research mission to extend the Florida turnpike to the northwest, from Wildwood to U.S. 19. On Tuesday, about 1,000 people attended a public meeting to look at large displays and PowerPoint videos that detailed why the northern turnpike extension was needed and more details about where the road may transverse if approved by lawmakers.
› Thousands of Citizens insurance customers to get takeout offer from newly created home insurer
Is your home insured by state-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the so-called insurer of last resort? If so, it’s likely because you were dropped by your private-market insurer or couldn’t find coverage from any other carrier. Soon, you might receive an offer from a newly formed insurer — the first since 2013 to enter Florida’s troubled property insurance market.
› USS Iwo Jima leaves Jacksonville on Friday for new homeport in Norfolk
The "Magnificent 7" leaves its homeport of the past seven years Friday morning, trading Naval Station Mayport for a new berth in Norfolk, Va. The USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship that earned its nickname due to its hull designation LHD-7, departs after completing three deployments, the most recent ending in an October homecoming.
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