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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
In Florida, the heat can kill. But there are no laws to protect its many outdoor workers
South Florida’s legendary hot summer days are powerful enough to overwhelm even the most rugged Floridians. When the temperature (and humidity) rises, anyone sweating under the sun will usually want to take a minute to catch their breath, stand in the shade and hydrate. But those are not guaranteed benefits for the tens of thousands of outdoor workers in the state. More from the Miami Herald.
Florida rural areas received $15 million for infrastructure. See why, where
Rural areas across the state will soon receive a critical infrastructure makeover due to a law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week. DeSantis announced more than $15 million in awards to five rural communities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund program. From the Panhandle to the southern end of the state, this new law seeks to support community economic development projects that will strengthen public infrastructure and expand job opportunities for residents. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Nonprofit aims to drive tech investment in Orlando
A new nonprofit is tasked with helping Orlando’s tech startups access more money and help build the city’s brand as a thriving tech base. The group called Innovate Orlando, was founded by the Orlando Economic Partnership, as well as the City of Orlando and Orange County government. Its primary task is leading a five-year plan, which was finalized earlier this year that sets goals including luring $3.5 billion more in venture capital by the end of 2028 and creating a community of 2,000 entrepreneurs in the same time period. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Clearwater bans smoking and vaping on beaches, parks
Smoking and vaping is now banned within the city’s parks and on the sand at Clearwater Beach in an effort to protect public health and curb one of the most toxic forms of litter: cigarette butts. Interim police Chief Michael Walek said his department will erect signs explaining the rule, pass out educational literature for visitors at hotels and restaurants and launch a social media campaign. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Still standing: See which iconic Jacksonville structures made the endangered list
From churches and private dwellings to commercial properties and schools that are significant structures with uncertain futures, the Jacksonville Historical Society recently published its 2023 list of Endangered Historic Properties. Many properties have appeared on the list year after year, while others such as the Arlington Savings & Loan are making their first appearance. Another structure long in endangered status is the former Ford Motor Co. assembly plant built in 1924 on the edge of the St. Johns River at Walmboldt Street. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Out of the Box
From Tampa’s waters, this boat has already scooped up 13 tons of trash
Since it debuted on local waterways a year ago this summer, Tampa’s Litter Skimmer has been watched from bridges and docks as it’s scooped up more than 26,500 pounds of floating garbage from along the river, the channels, Davis Islands and Bayshore Boulevard. People, including kids at the city’s waterfront parks, often wave to the odd-looking vessel. “We’ll do like a little spin-around for them, show them the trash that’s on it, that this is what this boat does,” said Jason “Mojo” Morrison, one of two men currently working on the Litter Skimmer, which is part of the city solid waste department.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Preservation Trends
SeaWorld Orlando opens coral rescue center in theme park
SeaWorld Orlando has opened a coral rescue center attraction where theme-park visitors can observe some of the company’s conservation contributions in action. “It’s fully functional. So if a guest comes in, on any given day, what they’re going to see is the coral biologist doing day-to-day husbandry. They’re going to see them feed the corals. They’re going to see them cleaning the corals. They’re going to be doing health assessments, measurements, you name it, water changes, everything that’s necessary to keep these very sensitive, at-risk animals healthy,” Jim Kinsler, aquarium curator at SeaWorld Orlando, said Friday.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.
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