Could launching seeds into space breed hardier plants in Florida?
Something important for a Florida facing a hotter future was sent into space this week with NASA astronauts aboard a SpaceX rocket: Seeds. The hope is that when they return to Earth, they will produce hardier, more resilient plants. With Florida’s agricultural and wild lands under increasing pressure from climate change, some scientists believe that sending seeds into space potentially could help strengthen them for what’s ahead back on Florida terra firma. More from the Miami Herald.
Embraer investing $90M to expand executive-jet factory at Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Embraer officials are planning a roughly $90 million expansion at Melbourne Orlando International Airport to boost the Brazilian aviation giant's business-jet production capacity, company officials revealed this week during a second-quarter earnings call. Embraer has generated more than 1,000 jobs and invested more than $155 million on the Space Coast since 2008 during four development phases off Apollo Boulevard at the Melbourne airport. More from Florida Today.
Thoroughbred industry pushes back on Gulfstream Park’s legal challenge to decoupling law
Florida’s leading Thoroughbred organization is calling Gulfstream Park’s legal challenge to the state’s 2021 decoupling law a “direct threat” to the future of horse racing and agriculture in the state. In a statement released Wednesday, Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), criticized Gulfstream Park for reportedly asking the courts to release the racetrack from its obligation to host live Thoroughbred races while continuing to operate slot machines. More from WCJB.
Pinellas urges residents to sign beach renourishment agreements
Pinellas is going to spread more than 2.5 million cubic yards of sand along Sand Key, Treasure Island and Long Key-Upham beach. At the third and last public meeting on Wednesday, county officials once again pleaded with beachfront residents to sign temporary agreements to dump sand on their property. Pinellas is still missing more than 120 such agreements. Weeks Marine Inc., the company contracted to do the work, is tentatively scheduled to start its work in the last weeks of August this month. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Tariffs trip up major growth plans for Venice logistics firm
A business owner in Sarasota County who recently opened a brand-new $6.8 million headquarters says he is in wait-and-see mode as far as growing further due to the economy. Vladimir Durshpek, founder and CEO of transportation and logistics company D-Trans in Venice, had been planning for years to build a 27,000-square-foot building on Commerce Drive. More from the Business Observer.
Profile
She’s a lawyer by day and a Miami Heat dancer by night. ‘I love the balance’
Chelsea Varsaci’s two careers couldn’t be more different. During the day, she handles cases as a maritime lawyer. After work, she changes from her two-piece black suit into a two-piece black sweatsuit to prepare for the night as a Miami Heat dancer and captain. But for Varsaci, they’re two parts that make her whole. Varsaci is working on her ninth season as a Miami Heat dancer and, now, as a captain. She’s also in her third year working with a Miami-based law firm.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Out of the Box
Red Bull’s ‘Tandem Rollercoaster’ lands in U.S. for first time in Altamonte Springs
Central Florida is getting a brand new roller coaster for just one day in September when a wild and wacky Red Bull event lands in Altamonte Springs. Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster presents an entertaining and twisty spectacle that involves decorated bikes and pairs of riders navigating an obstacle-filled track with water on either side. The event will make use of Cranes Roost Park on Sept. 27 with an estimated attendance of more than 30,000.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.