Thursday's Daily Pulse
Gov. Scott vetoes 'whiskey and Wheaties' bill
Florida's liquor wall, which was been around since Prohibition ended, will remain standing after a bill to tear it down was vetoed by Gov. Rick Scott. Scott's veto of Senate Bill 106 is his first veto this year. It came amid heavy opposition from independent liquor store owners who said it would drive them out of business. See the veto letter from Gov. Scott to Secretary of State Ken Detzner, here. Also read more at the AP.
Your turn:
» Did Gov. Scott do the right thing in vetoing Senate Bill 106, the "whiskey and Wheaties" bill? (quick poll)
Florida researchers pioneering new way to protect fish
Fish are essential to the global protein supply, Florida’s tourism revenue and life in the state. Now, University of South Florida researchers are working to modernize the way fish populations are counted, managed and protected. [Source: WTSP]
Florida adds hurricane reinsurance for 'healthy' catastrophe fund
The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund is in its strongest financial position ever as the state heads into the annual storm season next month. But state officials may bolster the fund, which helps private insurers pay claims if Florida gets hit by a major hurricane, with a purchase of $1 billion in private reinsurance. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Four years after Florida government shutdown, internet cafes make a comeback
Four years after they were shut down by the government and a scandal led to the arrest of dozens of people and the resignation of a lieutenant governor, Internet cafes, also known as sweepstakes rooms, are cropping up again across Florida. So far, local and state law enforcement officials have shown no interest in shutting them down. [Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal]
Florida's Movers & Influencers See some of Florida's top executive moves, board appointments, civic accomplishments, and more at Florida Trend's Movers & Influencers. Each profile appears in three places: in a weekly eNewsletter, online at FloridaTrend.com and in a monthly print issue of Florida Trend. Read more here. |
Zika hit Florida months before infections found, study says
Zika began spreading in Florida mosquitoes about three months before infections showed up in the Miami area last summer, and the virus likely was carried in by travelers from the Caribbean, new research suggests. The Zika virus outbreak in Florida wasn’t a single virus introduction but rather at least four separate introductions that each led to local chains of transmission, according to research conducted by the scientists, including co-leaders Drs. Sharon Isern and Scott Michael of FGCU. Full story from Florida Gulf Coast University, here. Also read more at the AP and Health Day.
See also:
» Miami Zika linked to Caribbean outbreak, study finds
› Sarasota wins headquarters project, 72 jobs [Business Observer]
Software and digital marketing company FloorForce is relocating its headquarters to Sarasota County and plans to add 72 full-time employees over five years.
› Gainesville company thrives on electronics manufacturing [Gainesville Business Report]
If you own a smartphone or a smartwatch, drive an electric or hybrid car, have a solar panel on your rooftop or have LEDs in your home, the odds are good that you have come into contact with technology impacted by Sinmat.
› Seminole casinos land World Series of Poker tournaments [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
In a significant change of venue, the Seminoles are now hosting two World Series of Poker Circuit tournaments. In previous years, the tournaments took place at Palm Beach Kennel Club.
› Atlanta Braves complex in North Port clears more hurdles [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The facilities and non-relocation agreements endorsed this week detail the team’s use of the stadium, public access to the complex and marry the club to playing in the West Villages district through at least 2048.
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› Congressman wants Trump to pay for Mar-a-Lago travel [Tampa Bay Times]
The bill won’t go anywhere, but give Rep. Alcee Hastings creative points with the TRUMPED Act, aka Taxpayers Require Urgent Mandatory Protection from Egregious Debt Act of 2017.
› Trader Joe’s-anchored project in Miami Beach breaks ground with $35M loan [The Real Deal]
Miami’s second Trader Joe’s is one step closer to becoming a reality. In addition to an 11,500-square-foot Trader Joe’s, the five-story building will also have loft-style apartments, townhomes, residential amenities, and a parking garage with about 160 spaces set aside for the public.
› FAU Tech Runway announces 5th entrepreneurial class [FAU News Release]
Florida Atlantic University’s Tech Runway, a business accelerator, announced its fifth entrepreneurial “Venture” class this week. Four companies were selected.
› Tampa Bay home prices still soaring amid tight supply [Tampa Bay Times]
Sales of Tampa Bay homes dropped in April but prices jumped yet again as Florida's real estate market continued to be defined by tight supply and high demand.