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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Here’s why Floridians, more than other Americans, believe climate change is real
Florida is certainly prone to weather emergencies. According to data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida is home to 13 of the top 25 most natural disaster-prone counties in the U.S. between 2013 and 2023. Florida residents not only acknowledge climate change at a higher rate than the rest of the U.S., they also want both the state and federal government to do something about it. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Large conservation area proposed for Everglades and other watersheds
A new federal proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calls for creating a conservation area that would span 12 counties in Florida, from the Everglades’ headwaters in the center of the state to sawgrass prairies further south, preserving a region that is home to imperiled species like the Florida panther, the official state animal. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
One year after Hurricane Ian, Florida beekeepers move steadily toward recovery
An estimated 15% of the nation’s bees laid in the storm's course, resulting in the destruction of upwards of 150,000 hives. Nearly 13 months later, the status of recovery varies for beekeepers throughout the state. “There’s a few people that have not completely recovered and may never recover,” said Florida State Beekeepers Association President John Coldwell. While in the minority, some beekeepers still don’t have their homes, businesses or infrastructure, Coldwell said. [Source: WUFT]
Florida caimans, an invasive species, could be close to eradication
The caimans of southern Florida are not as well known as their alligator cousins. Half a century ago, caimans were taken from their homelands in tropical wetlands of Latin America and brought to the United States for the leather and pet trades. Most of the hundreds of thousands of caimans imported into the United States during the 1970s perished. But a few held out in the southernmost corner of the Sunshine State. Like many invasive species in Florida, they’ve become a nuisance. [Source: New York Times]
Chamber Forum: Research partnerships can keep high-skill grads in Florida
Florida universities are hitting new highs in research funding, but not because of private industry funding. During a panel discussion at the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2023 Future of Florida Forum, representatives from the state’s two most prestigious public universities touted some of the top-line figures. But institutions in the State University System rely almost solely on government grant funding, whether from the feds or Florida. [Source: Florida Politics]
When the diagnosis is positive, Baptist Health Cancer Care has the experts.
Not every lump or bump is cancer, but when it is, Baptist Health Cancer Care offers a wide range of services from genetic testing and counseling to the most advanced surgical and reconstruction techniques. Clinical trials, rehabilitation and support services for survivors are all part of the comprehensive program. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› SpaceX to close out 2023 with this aggressive Brevard launch schedule
So far in 2023, SpaceX has had 58 launches out of Central Florida, its most ever in a given year. The company plans to up that number in 2024, according to the online space news portal Spaceflight Now. The aggressive SpaceX launch schedule is partly responsible for another superlative: more rockets have launched out of Brevard County in 2023 than any other year.
› ‘American Pickers’ to film in Florida, seeks leads in Tampa Bay
The team from “American Pickers” will return to Florida in January. The History Channel documentary series explores the fascinating world of antique picking. The hit show follows skilled pickers as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. The pickers plan to visit Florida in January to film new episodes.
› Orlando Museum of Art settles lawsuit with singer Sisaundra Lewis
Separate from its own litigation, in which Orlando Museum of Art sued former director Aaron DeGroft and owners of works attributed to acclaimed artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, the museum has been quietly involved in a second suit — as the defendant. That second suit was also tied to the Basquiat scandal, which in June 2022 saw the FBI seize the art hanging in the museum as part of its “Heroes & Monsters” exhibition.
› Jimmy Buffet-themed cruise line adds second ship, but it's too big for Port of Palm Beach
The Jimmy Buffet-themed cruise line has purchased a second ship from Carnival Cruise lines but don't expect it to operate out of the Port of Palm Beach; it is too big. There has been speculation for some time that Classica Cruise Operator LTD, the entity that owns Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, was looking to add a second ship.
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