Five years after arrival of COVID-19, a changed Florida
The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant political, social, and economic changes in Florida. The pandemic had a lasting impact on Florida's education system as well, with declining test scores and ongoing debates about safety measures and curriculum. Gov. DeSantis gained considerable power during the pandemic, using executive orders to implement policies and manage funds. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Five big questions for the 2025 legislative session
Republican legislative leaders and DeSantis already clashed over immigration enforcement, and lawmakers overturned a budget veto. Lawmakers will likely grapple with issues including rising insurance rates, increasing condominium costs, and ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. [Source: Florida Today]
Commentary: Thoroughbred industry is part of Florida’s rural renaissance
Florida’s rural communities have long been the backbone of our state, sustained by industries that have flourished for generations. Among them, the thoroughbred horse industry stands as a pillar of economic strength and agricultural tradition, supporting 33,500 jobs and contributing a staggering $3.24 billion in total economic impact. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Who’s to blame for Florida’s ‘unacceptable’ national nursing exam pass rate?
Florida is racing against time to avert a projected shortage of 60,000 nurses by 2035, and the national licensure exam is a big obstacle to that mission. Although the state saw the most first-time testers in 2024, it also posted the worst pass rate in the country on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Floridians trying to earn a registered nurse license scored six percentage points below the national average of 91.16% and those trying to become practical nurses scored eight points below the 88.38% national average. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Florida Power & Light seeks a $9B rate hike. It may be largest request in U.S. history
Florida Power & Light, the state’s largest utility, is seeking a nearly $9 billion hike to customers’ base rates over four years, a sum that affordability advocates said represents the largest rate hike request in U.S. history. Base rates are a major component of electricity bills that also include other charges for things like hurricane repairs and fuel. Above that $9 billion, the company would also be able to add more hikes for solar and battery facilities it constructs during the period. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› HSN's St. Pete HQ will be sold, parent company says
HSN's 70-acre property in St. Petersburg — a "trophy asset" by most local accounts — will likely be sold, the executive chairman of parent company Qurate Retail Group said. Greg Maffei, Qurate executive chairman, said on an earnings call on Thursday that the company is still working on the timing of the sale. It will likely wind down operations in St. Petersburg by the third quarter.
› USF offers free course on introduction to artificial intelligence
For those still wondering whether they want to dip their toes into artificial intelligence, the University of South Florida is offering a pool to do so. Now through March 24, USF is offering a free, online, self-paced micro-course, “GenAI In Action: Impact and Possibilities,” for those interested in an introduction. No minimum educational requirements are necessary.
› Miami Beach says no to getting back together a year after breaking up with spring breakers
Miami Beach broke up with spring break last year and city leaders still aren't interested in couples counseling. Officials recently announced they were bringing back enhanced security measures for practically the entire month of March, including parking restrictions and increased fees for nonresidents. The new rules were introduced last year after three consecutive years of spring break violence.
› JAX Chamber announces program to facilitate small business loans
JAX Chamber and its entrepreneurial education program, JAX Bridges, announced an access to capital initiative to help entrepreneurs and small businesses more easily acquire capital funding. The Feb. 28 announcement came 90 days before the first opportunity for businesses to apply for loans is made available at the May 7 JAX Bridges meeting.
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› Oviedo advances $10M police HQ annex after delays, voter rejection of asks for more funds
The journey to building a larger Oviedo police headquarters has involved years of delays, discourse, voter approval of millions of dollars for construction then rejection of city requests for millions more in back-to-back referendums. But last week city leaders took a major step toward expanding the long-cramped police station.
› Former PepsiCo exec brings iconic Philadelphia snack chain to Central Florida
A brand getting set to debut in Orlando is bringing snacks with a twist. Soft-pretzel chain Philly Pretzel Factory is partnering with former PepsiCo executive Derek Lewis to develop multiple locations in Central Florida. Though the first site has yet to be selected, these would be the first Florida locations for the Philadelphia-based franchise.
› Uncharted Territory: How Sarasota County navigates a growing charter school landscape
When a charter school works, it works. The publicly funded, independently run schools are often subjected to scrutiny, but in Sarasota County, several operate without issue. Some even thrive. Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, for example, hit its stride years ago. An “A” school since 2006 after a batch of “A’s” and “B’s” following its founding in 1997, SSAS isn’t just one of the district’s top-performing charter schools: It’s one of the district’s top-performing schools in general.
› Hippodrome's artistic director says Gainesville theater's financial outlook has improved
Much like the theme of its current season, the Hippodrome Theater in downtown Gainesville has "ignited" several solutions when it comes to dealing with the financial hardships caused by a lack of state funding over the last several years. Hippodrome Artistic Director Stephanie Lynge said financial hardship is not exclusive to the Hippodrome or Florida theaters, but for venues across the country.