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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
› Former College Park CVS to become philanthropic wine and liquor store
Since starting his wine and spirits business less than a year ago, Ray Horal often has to pinch himself to make sure he’s not dreaming. He’s been blown away by the amount of support he’s received from the community for a unique retail concept that focuses on philanthropy. “In the last four to six months, opportunities have really come to us,” Horal told GrowthSpotter from his headquarters in Maitland.
› Virtual Florida Civil Rights Museum making history in the state — and nation
After a decade-long effort, Tallahassee natives are making history by launching the first Florida Civil Rights Museum in the state — also being highlighted as the first all-virtual civil rights museum in the nation. With the digital museum launching Friday, its first exhibit, called “They Made a Difference,” will feature 30 pioneers who led the fight for civil rights for all Floridians.
› Tampa’s Straz Center expansion facing delays
Less than three weeks before a deadline, the Straz Center has secured a two-month extension to fulfill its contractual requirements with the city for its multimillion-dollar expansion. Tampa’s downtown Community Redevelopment Area committed $25 million in 2021 for the waterfront, art mecca’s $100 million renovation, which includes new event and outdoor spaces and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Riverwalk.
› Gainesville City Commission votes to ban open containers 24/7, planning new 'entertainment districts'
Drinking alcohol publicly outdoors is one step closer to once again being banned in Gainesville. The City Commission voted 4-3 Thursday to revert Gainesville’s open container laws to what they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2021, an almost-total ban. The commission did stipulate, however, in another motion that passed 6-1, its desire to later create “entertainment districts” around the city that may have different laws for drinking on city streets.
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