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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida froze program to help with power bills. Advocates worry it could happen again
Program managers say that the pandemic, along with rising temperatures, have made this entirely federally-funded program invaluable to the more than 175,000 Florida households that depend on it to make ends meet every year. But despite getting double the funding last year — a cool $170 million statewide — the long-running program ground to a halt earlier this year after the state agency in charge of doling out the cash ran into financial difficulties for reasons that still aren’t clear. More from the Miami Herald.
Idea to merge Florida judicial circuits draws opposition, gerrymandering claims
A proposal by a Republican lawmaker to consolidate some judicial circuits in Florida could upend decades-old jurisdiction boundaries across the state — a move that critics say is designed to stack the deck with more conservative prosecutors. But many stakeholders across the state are opposed to the idea for different reasons — and that includes Republicans who would otherwise support their party and governor’s agenda. Prosecutors, public defenders, private attorneys and judges cite concerns such as a loss of local control over the courts system, longer trips to courthouses and huge logistical hurdles. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Orange County commissioners postpone decision on tourist-tax spending
Orange County commissioners finished a long, feisty discussion Tuesday about how to spend future millions of tourist-tax dollars without making a decision, despite nudging by Mayor Jerry Demings. Board members said they needed more time to digest memos from Demings, Comptroller Phil Diamond and fellow commissioners Myra Uribe and Emily Bonilla before moving forward on the mayor’s suggestion to borrow $900 million for a convention center expansion and upgrades to Camping World Stadium. They’ll get more time. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Luxury destination resort near Miami Beach named the best in the country — again
The oceanfront jewel of Sunny Isles Beach has just been named the best destination resort in the United States. Famous for its iconic beachfront red couches and umbrellas, Acqualina Resort & Residences was recognized as the best destination resort in the country in the 2023 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards by USA Today. The voters praised Acqualina for its beachfront glamour and “luxurious extras like complimentary activities, a marine biology-based children’s program, and spa access. More from the Miami Herald.
22 Southwest Florida privately held companies made Inc.'s top 5,000 this year
Twenty-two Southwest Florida privately held companies made the top 5,000 list from Inc. for 2023. Naples-based Alliance Global Advisors leads the local companies on the prestigious list, coming in at number 228 with a three-year growth rate of 2,449%. Alliance Global Advisors is a woman-owned consulting company focused on "developing strategic growth solutions for real asset investment managers." More from the Naples Daily News.
Awards
Finalists announced for the 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch
GrowFL is proud to announce the finalists for the 13th Annual Florida Companies to Watch Awards, a prestigious recognition program celebrating high-performing second-stage companies that demonstrate innovative business strategies and excellent potential for future growth. The 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch is brought to you by Duke Energy and Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation.
» More at Florida Trend.
Conservation Trends
Big deal
The Horse Creek Ranch conservation easement deal, costing $51 million and spanning more than 16,000 acres across DeSoto and Hardee counties, ranks as one of Florida’s biggest single conservation agreements in 20 years. As part of the easement, the Carlton family-owned ranch will continue to be used to raise cattle while the land will be permanently protected from development.
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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