Florida population growth will slow due to coronavirus

First came the damage to Florida’s tourism industry and all sorts of other businesses. And now, the state’s growth engine? A panel of state economists has released a report forecasting that Florida’s population growth will slow in the coming years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That doesn’t mean the U-Hauls will stop trucking down Interstate 75 and Interstate 95: Florida is still expected to see population increases over the next five years that will be like adding a city slightly larger than St. Petersburg each year. more from the Tampa Bay Times and the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida recording more coronavirus deaths than any state

Florida's skyrocketing coronavirus death rate is now higher than any other state, edging out Texas, which has about 25% more people. Florida recorded another 134 deaths Tuesday, bringing its daily average for the past week to 115, topping the 112 deaths a day Texas has reported during that time, Associated Press statistics show. A month ago, Florida was averaging 33 coronavirus deaths a day. [Source: AP]

Where does the Florida Lottery money go?

A lottery was approved by Florida voters in 1986 through a constitutional amendment that would set aside a portion of proceeds for public education. More than $37 billion has been generated for education in Florida since the first ticket was sold in 1988. When the Florida Lottery first started, funds were broken down as follows: 50 percent prizes, 35 percent public schools, 5 percent retailer’s commission and 10 percent operating costs. Currently, 65 percent of proceeds go to prizes. Then 26.9 percent are added to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Bahamas ban against Americans' travel could hurt South Florida commerce

When the Bahamas imposes its travel ban on Americans at midnight Wednesday, you can still get there if you have a yacht, a private plane, or enough cash for a ride aboard a private charter. Those are the only exceptions to an action designed not only to keep sick people away from South Florida’s island neighbor in the Atlantic, but to ensure that travelers remain healthy while visiting there. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Lobster mini-season still on in the Keys

Monroe County commissioners have decided against cancelling the year's lobster mini-season. The Florida Keys summer tradition was on the rocks due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the state. Commissioners feared that the two-day bonanza would draw large crowds and contribute to a spread of the virus. However, during an emergency commission meeting on Tuesday, county officials chose not to send a letter cancelling the event to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. [Source: NBC Miami]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Ruth Eckerd Hall ventures into virtual performances with a magic dragon [Tampa Bay Times]
After months of shutdown, Ruth Eckerd Hall is venturing into the virtual world by selling tickets to a show by the comedic magician known as Piff the Magic Dragon. The performing arts hall, like many venues, has been mostly shut down since April because of the coronavirus pandemic.

› Streaming app that brings in local TV channels without cable, satellite or antenna debuting in South Florida [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Ready to cut the cord but not willing to hassle with an antenna to bring in dozens of available over-the-air TV channels from transmitters in either Miami or West Palm Beach? Locast, a streaming app, might be the solution for you. But there’s a catch.

› SeaWorld to debut Electric Ocean Remix [Orlando Sentinel]
SeaWorld Orlando’s popular nighttime summer event Electric Ocean is getting a remix. Guests are invited to stay late on select summer evenings to enjoy electrifying dance music and a night of energy while maintaining social distancing during Electric Ocean Remix.

› Miami bread bakers are giving rise to one of the year’s top food trends [Miami Herald]
If one could be so presumptive as to say there’s a silver lining to the current pandemic that has gripped our nation, the argument would be made in favor of bread. Miami is home to bakers committed to the bread making tradition, bringing out their A game when it comes to artisan loaves.

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› Fred Piccolo named new DeSantis spokesman [Tampa Bay Times]
Fred Piccolo, the communications director for the Florida Speaker of the House, will move to a new role as the chief spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Piccolo, 42, replaces Helen Aguirre Ferré, who was named Thursday the new executive director of the Florida Republican Party.

› Sarasota-Manatee foreclosure rates bottom out [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Fewer Southwest Florida homeowners were facing foreclosure during the first half of the year, but that may change in the months ahead. Foreclosure filings in the Sarasota-Manatee region had fallen to historic lows in recent years with a robust housing market and strong economy.

› Federal reports show Florida Democrats raised $1.2M, Republicans $720K in June [Florida Politics]
Florida Democrats outraised Republicans last month, but trail by millions in cash on hand, new reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission show. The Democratic Executive Committee of Florida brought in $1.21 million across 500 contributions last month. The party raised half again more than it did in May, when it reported $829,000 in receipts, though it finished June with less money in the bank.

› Broward clerk of courts to admit fault in ethics probe over finances [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Broward Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman is set to resolve a state ethics probe this week by admitting she misstated her financial status for four straight years, starting when she first became a candidate for public office. Forman, 62, and the Florida Commission on Ethics reached a proposed agreement in which she will pay a $5,000 fine for apparently blurring her financial assets and debts while omitting bank account information.