Consumer confidence tumbles amid concerns over inflation, labor market
Consumer confidence is on a downward slide. Economic uncertainty and rising costs are weighing on consumers like Kyle Cohen. The retiree and Florida resident, who relies on Social Security and SNAP benefits, said she is adapting to rising prices by purchasing less meat at the grocery store. "You have to rethink everything. Am I going to buy this?" Cohen said. "Am I going to substitute? What am I going to buy?" New evidence of falling consumer confidence was released Tuesday by the nonpartisan, not-for-profit Conference Board. It reported its Consumer Confidence Index declined 7 points to 98.3 in February. [Source: WFTS]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Blood cancer center
Patients in Florida living with complex blood cancers have a new treatment center available. HCA Florida North Florida Hospital in Gainesville has opened the Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program and began to see patients in November. It’s one of 10 Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network programs within HCA Healthcare in the U.S. and the U.K. and the first that is part of HCA Florida Healthcare. [Source: Florida Trend]
Removing property taxes in Florida? A new analysis calls that 'a risky proposition'
Getting rid of property taxes in Florida would come with big consequences and challenges for the state, which would need to find about $43 billion elsewhere to make up for that loss of revenue funding critical public services, according to a new Florida Policy Institute report. Property taxes make up about 73% of school district revenue, according the report. And property taxes make up about 18% of county revenue and 17% of municipal revenue, helping communities address some of their most critical needs, including fire and police services. [Source: WUSF]
New nonprofit launches to preserve Florida's citrus industry
Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation has announced its launch in response to Florida's citrus crisis. The organization reports that it's the first and only nonprofit dedicated to offering small citrus growers grants and assistance to preserve the Sunshine State’s iconic orange and save Florida's citrus legacy. [Source: Fresh Fruit Portal]
Where is red tide in Florida right now? What to know about algae ahead of spring break
Floridians, brace yourself — spring break is almost here, which means hundreds of thousands visitors flocking to our beautiful beaches. However, regardless of if you're a native Floridian or a seasoned visitor to the state's coasts, it only takes a visit from one unwanted visitor to ruin any beach day — red tide. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› 940 employees to be affected by Orlando Health closing of Rockledge Hospital
The decision to close the 298-bed Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital on April 22 will affect 940 employees, Orlando Health reported in a filing with Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity. The 940-employee figure is higher than the 852 employees officials of the hospital said it had when Orlando Health acquired it four months ago. The notice lists the hospital's 110 Longwood Ave. address as the site of the job cuts. It was not clear if Orlando Health also is counting employees at four of its outpatient departments in Rockledge, Merritt Island and Suntree that also will close.
› JEA board approves $32.5 million contribution to raise power lines at JaxPort
JEA’s board of directors have agreed to contribute $32.5 million toward raising power lines over the St. Johns River to allow for passage of larger cargo ships to and from JaxPort. On a unanimous vote on Feb. 25, the six-member board approved an interlocal agreement in which JEA, JaxPort and the city of Jacksonville would help cover higher-than-expected costs of elevating the six high-voltage lines from their current height of 175 feet to 225 feet.
› One month out from decision day, what’s going on with Rays stadium?
The Tampa Bay Rays have until March 31 to decide if they’re moving forward with stadium plans. The St. Petersburg City County and Pinellas County Commission have said they’re still on board. All eyes are on the Rays. Will the Rays decide to go through with a deal to build a $1.3 billion stadium and surrounding Historic Gas Plant District development? Or will they decide to walk away from an overall $6.5 billion plan that took almost three years to put together?
› Here's when Brightline expects commuter train deal in Broward, Miami-Dade
A report from Brightline said the Miami-based passenger train service is close to finalizing a long awaited multimillion-dollar deal with Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Such an agreement could mean that Brightline, and its owners, New York-based Fortress Investment Group, will receive millions of dollars in access fees from Miami-Dade and Broward.
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› Naples changes outdoor dining regulations, permit fees to be increased
Downtown Naples restaurants using city property for outdoor dining will now be required to have 8 feet of walking space next to tables and will face increased fees. City Council on Feb. 20 unanimously voted to amend its outdoor dining regulations to add 3 feet to the required walking space and to increase permit fees, with some doubling.
› Pensacola Beach survey says visitors concerned by high prices, low parking
A recent survey found infrastructure, public safety and affordability are the top concerns among Pensacola Beach visitors and residents. The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) contracted the University of West Florida’s Haas Center last year to conduct an economic impact study on the Pensacola Beach region, which sought out feedback from both tourists and local residents so the SRIA could factor in their opinions when making decisions about the island’s future.
› Florida Strawberry Festival returns to Plant City
Closing in on its 90th year, the Florida Strawberry Festival still has no booze, no tobacco, no nonsense and everything strawberry in the small town of Plant City in northeast Hillsborough County. Started in 1930, it retains its Southern charm to keep its crown as the most-attended fair in the state.
› Boca Raton’s shuttle service starts offering rides to the beach
Boca Raton’s shuttle service is expanding its service area, with rides now taking people to and from the beach. When the service first launched in June of 2024, rides could be requested to and from the city’s downtown, south of Glades Road, east of Interstate 95, north of the Hillsboro Canal and just slightly west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Now, the service area includes the barrier island from the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center to the Boca Raton Inlet, according to the city.