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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Floridian consumer sentiment creeps higher as inflation continues to decline
Consumer sentiment among Floridians inched up eight-tenths of a point in August to 67.6 from a revised figure of 66.8 in July. Meanwhile, national sentiment dropped 2.1 points. “Floridians optimism in August stems from their views on their personal finances compared to a year ago, as well as their outlook for the national economy over the next year. These expectations are in line with the steady decline in inflation over the past twelve months, along with the overall prevailing conditions in the labor market. [Source: UF News]
Idalia passed. Then came the scramble back to homes, schools and jobs.
As Idalia crept closer, state and local officials set in motion the rhythm of storm preparation familiar to Floridians, issuing measured pleas for preparedness and assurances of coordination. And so, for many officials, the days before a storm are a relentless barrage of intergovernmental meetings, the most powerful people in the area all getting together. Restoring order after the storm passes can be even more complex, local officials said. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Should Floridians buy a home now in hot housing market or wait until interest rates fall?
Many aspiring homebuyers are scratching their heads, as they ponder the Florida housing market — record-breaking median prices four consecutive months despite plunging sales, and interest rates on mortgages have climbed to a 20-year high. Is now really the time to buy or would it be better to wait and continue renting, perhaps as long as midyear 2024 when interest rates likely will be lower? What are the risks and rewards of buying now or sitting on the sidelines until later? [Source: Miami Herald]
Hurricane center raises odds for tropical system headed toward Caribbean
A tropical wave in the Atlantic has increasing chances to become the season’s next tropical depression or storm this week as it heads toward the Caribbean, according to the National Hurricane Center. The NHC gives it a 70% chance to form in the next two days and 90% in the next seven. If it grows into named-storm status it could become Tropical Storm Lee, the 12th named system of the recently busy 2023 hurricane season. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida researchers seek volunteers for harmful algae health study
Ever wonder if all that nasty looking algae in the Indian River Lagoon or nearby canal, lake or pond is making you sick, shortening your memory and/or your years? What about those red and brown tides? Florida scientists want you to volunteer to help figure some of those things out. The University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University, the University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University are sharing a $650,000 state grant to study long-term health effects from harmful algal blooms. [Source: Florida Today]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Hundreds pay tribute to Jimmy Buffett at Key West festival
Hundreds of Jimmy Buffett fans — many donning colorful and extravagant outfits — took to the streets in the Florida Keys on Sunday to honor the rock legend. Women wearing flowery hats, a man with a coconut bikini top, another wearing a cheese burger costume and others lifting photos of the rock star above their heads were some of the people in attendance at the afternoon procession in Key West. And it wasn’t all partying. Flowers, liquor and messages were left by Buffet’s old recording studio.
› Fort Lauderdale holds steady on tax rate for 17th year in a row. But your tax bill might rise anyway.
Fort Lauderdale, the growing tourist town that’s home to nearly 200,000 people along with some of the region’s tallest buildings, has managed to keep the same property tax rate for 16 years in a row. And with property values rising and a continued boom in new construction, there are no plans to break that streak.
› Famed Parisian fashion house Chanel opens Tampa store
Tampa’s chic shopping district Hyde Park Village is getting three new tenants, just as one of the world’s best-known brands opens a store nearby. WS Development, which bought the district in 2013, announced the new womenswear retailers last week. The company says the three first-to market merchants would open in the fall. Meanwhile, about five miles away at International Plaza and Bay Street, the luxury fashion house Chanel has opened a fragrance and beauty boutique.
› 904 Day: A celebration of local small business in Northeast Florida
The 904 Day celebration is expanding the invitation beyond the Northeast Florida area code. The grassroots effort supports local area small businesses and destinations Sept. 4 and throughout Labor Day weekend in Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. This year, local residents are encouraged to stay in the area for the holiday weekend and invite friends and family from outside the region to join them as they eat, drink, shop and explore.
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