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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida insurance company execs saw big payouts in years without hurricanes
Florida-based insurance companies have been going out of business the last few years or raising rates by double-digits. Industry groups and Gov. Ron DeSantis have blamed excessive litigation, and Republican legislators are poised this week to limit the incentives to sue insurers. But state lawmakers have largely ignored an issue that has been directly blamed for numerous past company failures — and allowed some executives to make eye-popping sums of money over the last decade, when companies were wildly profitable thanks to years without a storm. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Dozens have gotten sick from oysters — including in Florida. Publix issues a warning
Oysters harvested in Texas are making dozens of people sick to their stomach in Texas and as far as Florida and Louisiana. Health departments and Publix are warning the public. It’s unclear where in Florida people have reported feeling sick. In Louisiana, 10 of 19 cases have been linked to the oysters being consumed at restaurants, the state department of health reported. More from the Miami Herald.
Best travel options to vacation on Florida’s west coast after Hurricane Ian
Southwest Florida’s famed vacation spots — Naples, Captiva and Sanibel Islands, Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island Sound — have long been escapes from Florida’s more bustling east coast. Those areas also bore the brunt of Hurricane Ian’s brutal wrath on Sept. 28, enduring winds up to 150 mph and storm surges, in some areas, up to 15 feet. Statewide, at least 148 people died from the storm, mostly in coastal areas. The aftermath in Fort Myers Beach looked like a war zone, while other areas were more fortunate, and are well on their way to recovery, if not already open for business. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
FlexCold seeking larger tax incentive for North Jacksonville warehouse expansion
The city is considering a FlexCold LLC request to more than double its property tax incentive as it expands its cold-storage warehouse in North Jacksonville. FlexCold now seeks a $2.5 million incentive, an increase from the $1.1 million approved by City Council in 2021. The Mayor’s Budget Review Committee is scheduled to vote Dec. 12 on filing legislation with the Council to amend the redevelopment agreement. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Alachua County to launch a pilot program that aims to address energy efficiency
County officials will soon roll out a program aimed at improving home energy efficiency while ensuring affordable housing. The new initiative, however, initially will only help out a small number of households. During a special meeting this week, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners nodded in support of a pilot of the Alachua County Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Grant Program that will aid at least 15 families by making their homes more energy efficient and affordable. More from the Gainesville Sun.
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Out of the Box
Dogs, owners show off holiday cheer at Ocoee Jolly Jamboree
Dozens of heads turned as the dogs, many donning Christmas sweaters and reindeer antlers, began parading from the corner of McKey Street and Cumberland Avenue to kick off Ocoee’s annual Jolly Jamboree on Saturday. “Mommy, look at the puppies!” a child cried with delight. As they rounded the corner of Bluford Avenue toward Ocoee City Hall, the dogs and their owners were met with a red carpet and even more people sitting along the sidewalks holding cameras.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Profile
Taking Flight: Luciano Macagno
At least 30 multinational corporations have their Latin America headquarters in South Florida, and as global economists look at the decades to come, Latin America’s relatively young population and entrepreneurial talent make a compelling long-term case for future growth, with Miami the natural entry point to the U.S. That’s where Luciano Macagno, Delta’s managing director for Latin America, the Caribbean and South Florida, comes in.
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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