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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida surpasses nation in economic growth
The Sunshine State has outpaced the United States and contributed more than $23 billion to Florida’s economy, according to a report from the Department of Financial Services. DFS reported that in the second quarter of 2020, the United States experienced 5.4% in gross domestic product growth, while Florida had a rate of 6.3%. [Source: WJHG]
Florida oysters found to have toxic "forever chemicals"
With a new state law addressing the clean-up of two chemical compounds that have been widely used by industries, a Florida International University study says the substances have been found in oysters in Biscayne Bay, the Marco Island area and Tampa Bay. The issue involves compounds known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which have been used in a wide range of consumer products and such things as firefighting foams. The chemicals do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in fish and wildlife, according to a state House analysis. More from the News Service of Florida and FIU News.
Florida gas prices drop for third consecutive week, but AAA says rebound is possible
Florida’s average gasoline prices dropped by 10 cents over the last week, a sign that points to relief for drivers who have been paying upwards of $70 to fill a 15-gallon tank. The drop following the Independence Day holiday marks the third week in a row gas prices have fallen for a total of a 35-cent decline, according to the weekly briefing by AAA-The Auto Club Group. The average price across the Sunshine State Wednesday was $4.54 a gallon. [Source: Gainesville Sun]
Florida aims to crack down on dealers, traffickers as opioid deaths increase
More people are dying from opioid overdoses with fentanyl playing a large role in the trend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 71,238 people nationwide died from fentanyl overdoses last year. That was an increase of 13,000 from 2020. But a new Florida law aims to crack down on opioid dealers and traffickers. [Source: WJXT]
Florida rent averages soar toward $2,000
Low inventory, a flourishing housing market and exponential population growth have caused rental prices in the Sunshine State to explode. Those rent leaps are causing hardship for workers and families across Florida. And they are driving some residents to leave the state even as others flock here. Florida’s median rent hit an all-time high of $1,726 per month in June, according to rental search website Apartment List, compared to $1,408 in the same month in 2021. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
'Sargassum storm': Stinky seasonal seaweed sets record in Brevard, and more is coming this way
Many people visiting the Brevard County coastline in recent days may have noticed lots of stinky seaweed that has washed up onshore. The bad news, scientists say, is that much more is headed our way than has ever been documented before. The Caribbean Sea keeps gifting Central Florida's beaches with mounds of mushy, stinky brown seaweed. And researchers warn that this seasonal so-called Sargassum storm is likely to get worse before easing up.
› Orange County firefighters drop lawsuit fighting mayor’s vaccine mandate
Orange County Fire Rescue employees who challenged Mayor Jerry Demings’ vaccination mandate last year as “unlawful, unconstitutional and highly invasive” dropped the action last month after county attorneys served notice for reimbursement of legal fees. The notice was added to a pending motion to dismiss, which argued circuit court was the wrong venue for the disagreement.
› Ocala will spend $200,000 for claims administrator in fire fee litigation fallout
The Ocala City Council on Tuesday voted 3-0 to take 200,000 from the city's general fund reserve to pay a claim administrator to handle the money being paid out as a result of the city's long-running fire fee litigation. Council President Ire Bethea, Council President Pro-Tem Jim Hilty and councilwoman Kristen Dreyer cast the yes votes. Council members Barry Mansfield and Jay Musleh were absent from Tuesday's meeting.
› Clearwater Marine Aquarium opens multi-faceted dolphin exhibit
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has opened a new celebration called Dolphintopia, a multi-faceted immersive exhibition that explores the science of dolphins, and also their intimate connection with humans throughout history. There are educational displays and even a dolphin skeleton available for close-up views. It also includes dolphin art displays and activities, with interactive exhibits “exploring our intangible bond with dolphins,” an aquarium announcement said.
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