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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
10 big issues to watch in Florida's 2023 legislative session
Florida lawmakers next week will start the annual 60-day legislative session. They will be tackling issues from affordable housing to immigration to school vouchers. Here's a roundup of the issues lawmakers have left on their "To Do" list. Read more from the News Service of Florida and WUSF.
UF says its campus deal for downtown West Palm is on hold
The University of Florida has “paused” its plans for a graduate program in downtown West Palm Beach saying it will look at other options after a disagreement over naming rights for the proposed 12-acre campus. The announcement, made in a statement Tuesday, notes “regrettable divisions in the local community” as the reason for pursuing other options. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Nashville to Tampa: Hey, nice Riverwalk you got there. How’d you do it?
Back when Bob Buckhorn was mayor of Tampa, there was another city on the move that practically kept him up at night: Nashville. “To me, that was our toughest competition in the emerging Sunbelt City tier — great competitors for talent, for corporate relocation,” said Buckhorn, the two-term mayor from 2011-2019. “I literally got up every day worrying how we were going to beat Nashville.” So maybe there’s a little local pride over Nashville’s recent interest in Tampa’s Riverwalk. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
JEA board approves higher basic monthly electric charge starting in April
The JEA board of directors approved a $9.50 per month increase to its residential electric basic monthly charge to take effect in April. The board voted unanimously Feb. 28 to raise the basic monthly charge portion of an average residential bill from $5.50 per month to $15, a 172.72% increase. That covers customer service-related costs, including billing, call center services and meter reading. JEA officials say the hike is necessary to reverse a projected fiscal year 2023 revenue shortfall for its electric system. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Miami Beach mayor warns: Federal rule could open door to new tribal casinos
Miami Beach’s mayor is asking the federal government to reject a proposed rule that he fears could make it easier for Indian tribes to buy land in his city and turn it into a resort casino, leapfrogging over the local opposition that has traditionally been the bulwark against gaming expansion in his town. More from the Miami Herald.
Sports Business
Downtown St. Petersburg to get 16-court pickleball complex this year
St. Pete Athletic, a pickleball facility with 16 indoor and outdoor courts, announced it would open in downtown St. Petersburg near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and 2nd Avenue sometime this year. The center will be designed to act as a hub for the local pickleball community, said St. Pete Athletic managing partner Reuben Pressman. In addition to the courts, St. Pete Athletic would also have a restaurant, bar, gym, a pro-shop and amenities like lockers, showers and bathrooms.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Business Profile
IT Ninjas fills tech support need for small companies
Small companies may see having their own IT department as a luxury that’s hard to afford. Ismael “Izzy” Amado, 38, founded IT Ninjas in 2018 to service small companies and not-for-profits. Prices start at $500 to $1,000 per month depending on the package of services purchased. The company provides IT support, cybersecurity and backup and recovery services.
» Read more from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
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