Will Visit Florida budget cuts help other states win tourists?

The Florida legislature’s decision to slash $50 million from the state’s tourism marketing budget could make it easier for other vacation destinations, like Michigan, to snag summer tourists on the hunt for a new getaway spot. According to David Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, “I think these budget cuts that Florida is about to go through are going to leave some opportunities for states like Michigan. I think that Florida is opening themselves up to a real potential loss of business.” [Source: Palm Beach Post]

Florida's bone dry and burning while rest of U.S. is soaking wet

Spring dumped so much rain on the U.S. that most of the country is drought-free for the first time in decades. But in parched Florida and Georgia, wildfires have destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres of forests and pastureland. The culprit is a high-pressure ridge that has stubbornly hovered since late last year over the region, pushing storms away. Ironically, it’s the same atmospheric system that can steer hurricanes into the southeastern U.S. [Source: Bloomberg]

See also:
» Soaking storms to be double-edged sword for southeastern US this week
Your turn:
» Has your Florida community been feeling the effects of drought - even wildfires?(quick poll)

2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast update calls for an above-average number of storms

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be more active than historical averages regarding the number of named storms and hurricanes, according to the latest outlook released in mid-May by The Weather Company. Full news release is here.

Short on water, Florida growers know how to dig down deep

The finale to the dry season was nothing less than excessive. Along with the record-breaking stats, has come acre-eating brush fires, burn bans, and widespread water shortage warnings. The last time the Sunshine State was this much of a tinder box was nearly 20 years ago. [Source: Growing Produce]

Officials worry about drug overdoses at hurricane shelters

Local officials are raising concerns about drug use at hurricane shelters, saying they aren't equipped to care for addicts, unaccompanied minors and others with other medical needs. More from the AP and the Palm Beach Post.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Goat industry goes gangbusters in Alachua County [Gainesville Sun]
Alachua County had the most goats in the state in to the most recent agricultural census, and tied with Polk County for the second-highest number of goat farms. Marion County had the most goat farms, according to the census.

› Lockheed Martin plans to add 500 new jobs in Orlando [Orlando Sentinel]
Lockheed Martin is planning to add 500 new jobs at its Missiles and Fire Control plant in South Orlando, and the defense contractor is seeking $3.5 million in incentives for the expansion.

› Broward County to consider incentives for relocating companies that could create 400 total jobs [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The Broward County Commission on Tuesday is slated to consider job-based incentives for two unidentified companies that are weighing re-locations to the county in moves that could create 400 jobs.

› Orlando tops New York, Rome as most popular Memorial Day weekend destination [AAA News Release]
The total number of Florida travelers will be the largest for the Memorial Day weekend holiday in 12 years, according to AAA. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 25 to Monday, May 29.

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› Airbnb rentals brought in $441,000 to the Jacksonville area during The Players Championship [Florida Times-Union]
Airbnb reported this week that its hosts earned $441,000 in rentals from 1,307 guests during The Players Championship. It gave this breakdown for the number of registered hosts, guests and rent paid during The Players.

› Tampa Bay company invents quicker way to grow marijuana [WTSP]
Tampa Bay is home to a new revolution. Gardening without soil. Not even sand, gravel or liquid. We’re talking about growing plants out of thin air. It’s called Aeroponics. Yes, it been around for a long time, but a local company in St. Petersburg has mastered growing cannibals using the technique.

› Feld Entertainment gave executives $1.5 million in raises in 2015 [Bradenton Herald]
In a seven-month span in 2015, Feld Entertainment gave more than two dozen executives a combined $1.5 million in raises. Manatee County-based Feld Entertainment added four new vice president positions two years ago, with combined salaries totaling almost $800,000.

› Florida Lottery secretary to resign June 2 [Tampa Bay Times]
After just 18 months being in charge of the Florida Lottery, Secretary Tom Delacenserie is leaving his job. Delacenserie is resigning his post effective June 2, Gov. Rick Scott's office announced Friday.