Monday's Daily Pulse
Why grocery stores and restaurants are the hottest thing in Florida retail
There's something about Florida that grocery chains cannot resist. Safeway is among the newest brands to open stores in Florida. Lucky's Market is expanding across the state. Sprouts Farmers Market is laying roots in Tampa Bay, and discount grocer Aldi is opening more stores in Florida than ever before. So at what point does Florida have enough? [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
See also:
» Why restaurant chains are invading Sarasota area and aren't likely to stop
Zika spreads to Miami Beach, U.S. expands travel warning
An additional area of active Zika transmission has been identified in a section of Miami Beach, in addition to the area of active Zika transmission near Wynwood.
The Florida Department of Health has also identified at least four other instances of apparently mosquito-borne Zika in Miami-Dade County. The CDC is advising pregnant women and their partners to "consider postponing nonessential travel to all parts of Miami-Dade County." See the statement from Gov. Scott here (includes maps). Full story from Reuters, here.
Related Florida business and political stories:
» CEOs express concerns about the Zika virus
» Zika on South Beach? Locals and tourists shrug it off
» Officials: Zika won't hurt South Florida tourism in long run
» Could the new Zika outbreak dink Trump’s chances in Florida?
» Hotels, businesses provide mosquito protection amid Zika concerns
» Congresswoman, mayor say more resources needed to stop Zika
Lawmakers, activists at odds over Florida energy initiative
As early voters voice their choice on a Florida energy initiative, a battle is brewing among the amendment’s supporters and critics over how beneficial it would be to the Sunshine State. [Source: WSVN]
See also:
» Understanding Amendment 4: Tax exemptions for solar devices or renewable energy source devices
Florida tops nation in home purchases by foreigners
Five states – Florida, California, Texas, Arizona, and New York – accounted for over half of all residential real estate activity in the United States by foreign buyers. Florida topped the list with 22% of all sales. [Source: Business Observer]
Column: The tradition of agriculture and its fruits is under fire in Florida
Jack Payne, head of UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, writes:
"There's open speculation about the end of Florida orange juice. Disease is slaying Tampa's swaying palm trees. Family farms are going on the auction block. Not enough kids have access to 4-H clubs. Perhaps, ironically, innovation is the way we'll save tradition. ... University of Florida scientists are trying to save citrus by steam-blasting trees, killing the bugs that spread greening, and using technology to breed a disease-proof tree."
» Read Payne's full column at the Tampa Bay Times
› Will your homeowner insurance protect you if the Big One hits? [Miami Herald]
As hurricane season enters prime time and rate increases begin showing up on property insurance bills, South Florida homeowners may rightly wonder whether their insurance coverage will protect them if a big one hits.
› Primary election will decide dozens of Florida legislative races [Bradenton Herald]
Across the state, primary races soon to be decided by a relative handful of voters may determine whether the Florida Senate stays on its moderate course or shifts to the right as new battles loom over abortion, education, guns and the environment.
› Research in Florida finds benefits of meditation on cancer patients [WMFE]
People have practiced meditation to relieve stress for years and now researchers are learning it can have real benefits for patients who are suffering from cancer and other illness.
› Obamacare choices shrinking in South Florida, but experts say that might not be bad [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Large insurers are pulling out of many markets throughout the U.S. — including South Florida, the nation's largest Obamacare market — leaving consumers to choose among smaller insurers with so-called narrow provider networks.
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› Small gun manufacturers a growing force in Florida [Florida Today]
Florida has more “gun manufacturers” than any other state except Texas, after a surge of 346 percent in licenses for gun makers since 2009, fueled by the nation’s growing demand for firearms.
› Want to know your risk of flooding? Plantation company develops prediction models [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A Plantation startup company has developed a model that can tell individual homeowners the risk they face from flooding over their 30-year mortgage. Coastal Risk Consulting provides homeowners with an easy-to-read score that shows their risk.
› Grim news kept people away from Disney, Universal and other theme parks, analysts say [Tampa Bay Times]
Heading into this summer, all signs were pointing to another banner year for Florida's attractions after five straight years of record-setting attendance and revenue leaps. Gas prices were dropping and new roller coasters and attractions were coming online. But it has been a cruel summer, especially for Orlando.
› How a South Florida business is breaking into the $30 billion telehealth industry [South Florida Business Journal]
TreatMD wants to revolutionize health care through technology. The Miami-based technology company announced this week the beta launch of its international telemedicine platform.