Florida surpasses nation in economic growth

The Sunshine State has outpaced the United States and contributed more than $23 billion to Florida’s economy, according to a report from the Department of Financial Services. DFS reported that in the second quarter of 2020, the United States experienced 5.4% in gross domestic product growth, while Florida had a rate of 6.3%. [Source: WJHG]

Florida oysters found to have toxic "forever chemicals"

With a new state law addressing the clean-up of two chemical compounds that have been widely used by industries, a Florida International University study says the substances have been found in oysters in Biscayne Bay, the Marco Island area and Tampa Bay. The issue involves compounds known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which have been used in a wide range of consumer products and such things as firefighting foams. The chemicals do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in fish and wildlife, according to a state House analysis. More from the  News Service of Florida and FIU News.

Florida gas prices drop for third consecutive week, but AAA says rebound is possible

Florida’s average gasoline prices dropped by 10 cents over the last week, a sign that points to relief for drivers who have been paying upwards of $70 to fill a 15-gallon tank. The drop following the Independence Day holiday marks the third week in a row gas prices have fallen for a total of a 35-cent decline, according to the weekly briefing by AAA-The Auto Club Group. The average price across the Sunshine State Wednesday was $4.54 a gallon. [Source: Gainesville Sun]

Florida aims to crack down on dealers, traffickers as opioid deaths increase

More people are dying from opioid overdoses with fentanyl playing a large role in the trend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 71,238 people nationwide died from fentanyl overdoses last year. That was an increase of 13,000 from 2020. But a new Florida law aims to crack down on opioid dealers and traffickers. [Source: WJXT]

Florida rent averages soar toward $2,000

Low inventory, a flourishing housing market and exponential population growth have caused rental prices in the Sunshine State to explode. Those rent leaps are causing hardship for workers and families across Florida. And they are driving some residents to leave the state even as others flock here. Florida’s median rent hit an all-time high of $1,726 per month in June, according to rental search website Apartment List, compared to $1,408 in the same month in 2021. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

'Sargassum storm': Stinky seasonal seaweed sets record in Brevard, and more is coming this way   [Florida Today]
Many people visiting the Brevard County coastline in recent days may have noticed lots of stinky seaweed that has washed up onshore. The bad news, scientists say, is that much more is headed our way than has ever been documented before. The Caribbean Sea keeps gifting Central Florida's beaches with mounds of mushy, stinky brown seaweed. And researchers warn that this seasonal so-called Sargassum storm is likely to get worse before easing up.

› Orange County firefighters drop lawsuit fighting mayor’s vaccine mandate [Orlando Sentinel]
Orange County Fire Rescue employees who challenged Mayor Jerry Demings’ vaccination mandate last year as “unlawful, unconstitutional and highly invasive” dropped the action last month after county attorneys served notice for reimbursement of legal fees. The notice was added to a pending motion to dismiss, which argued circuit court was the wrong venue for the disagreement.

› Ocala will spend $200,000 for claims administrator in fire fee litigation fallout [Ocala Star Banner]
The Ocala City Council on Tuesday voted 3-0 to take 200,000 from the city's general fund reserve to pay a claim administrator to handle the money being paid out as a result of the city's long-running fire fee litigation. Council President Ire Bethea, Council President Pro-Tem Jim Hilty and councilwoman Kristen Dreyer cast the yes votes. Council members Barry Mansfield and Jay Musleh were absent from Tuesday's meeting.

› Clearwater Marine Aquarium opens multi-faceted dolphin exhibit [Tampa Bay Times]
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has opened a new celebration called Dolphintopia, a multi-faceted immersive exhibition that explores the science of dolphins, and also their intimate connection with humans throughout history. There are educational displays and even a dolphin skeleton available for close-up views. It also includes dolphin art displays and activities, with interactive exhibits “exploring our intangible bond with dolphins,” an aquarium announcement said.

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› Virgin Atlantic announces direct daily flights from London to Tampa [Tampa Bay Times]
Virgin Atlantic is launching a year-round direct flight between Tampa International Airport and London’s Heathrow airport. The airline company announced Wednesday that the new service will start flying four times a week on Nov. 3 but will increase to daily by Nov. 28. Tickets for the new route go on sale on July 13. Return economy fares start at $637 per person.

› Sarasota's Big Olaf Creamery sued over death of woman in ongoing listeria outbreak [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Big Olaf Creamery is being sued over the death of a woman whose estate alleges she contracted listeria from its ice cream. According to a lawsuit filed in federal court on Tuesday, the estate of Illinois resident Mary Billman is suing the Sarasota company over her death, which the plaintiffs allege happened because she ate contaminated ice cream.

› Fort Lauderdale gives Beckham and company one more year to build promised park [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Soccer star David Beckham and his Inter Miami partners scored a deal Tuesday night that gives them another year to build a long-promised community park next to the DRV PNK stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The pandemic and other unexpected delays prevented Miami Beckham United from keeping a promise made three years ago to build a sprawling community park by July 18. On Tuesday night, Fort Lauderdale commissioners voted unanimously to extend the deadline by one year.

› Judge puts Miami-Dade Expressway Authority in driver’s seat [Miami Today]
The Miami-Dade Expressway Authority was a big winner last week as the 11th Judicial Circuit granted its motion for summary judgment in a dispute over control of the five expressways it operates in Miami-Dade County. Its court opponent, the state-created Greater Miami Expressway Agency, has until July 29 to respond.