SHARE:
Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
NASA is facing a climate change countdown
This is America’s busiest spaceport, and the water is coming. Like so much of Florida, the Space Coast — a 72-mile stretch along the Atlantic — is feeling the threat of climate change. A rising sea level will bring even greater risk over time — and perhaps sooner than most researchers expected. According to a new study, sea levels could rise as much as five or six feet by the end of this century. [Source: New York Times]
See also:
» NASA’s new sea level site puts climate change papers, data, and tools online
» Higher sea-level rise projections: An "opportunity" for Florida? -
» Sea-level rise: Miami businesses say it's a moneymaker to adapt for warming
» Real estate is booming in south Florida, even as sea level rise becomes a reality
Study: More financial literacy instruction needed in Florida schools
April is the official National Financial Literacy Month, yet there is a lack of basic financial education in Florida’s schools, setting the stage for major problems for individuals, families, businesses and communities. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) released results from a study called, "Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap: Empowering teachers to support the next generation." The study shows a lack of financial education in the classrooms. See the full report here, with specific data for Florida.
More older Americans becoming renters
Baby boomers are altering the American Dream. After having the home in the suburbs, the kids, the two cars, and maybe even the picket fence, a growing number now want to ride elevators to rental apartments and walk out the door to restaurants. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Opinion
Florida growers aren’t ready to party with Cuba
Big Ag crops are excited by the prospect of shipping more corn and soybeans to Cuba. It is oft repeated how Cuba imports 70% to 80% of its food. But if Cuba crops came stateside instead of being consumed domestically, Florida producers could be at a disadvantage. [Source: The Packer]
Gas prices for first quarter were lowest in 12 years
Gas prices for the first three months of 2016 were the lowest they’ve been in 12 years, according to AAA. The national average for the first quarter was $1.86 and the last time they were lower was January-March 2004. [Source: Florida Times-Union]
See also:
» Gas prices still rising, but they're cheaper than last year
› U.S. Education Department opens civil rights investigation into Pinellas schools
The U.S. Department of Education is launching a civil rights investigation into whether the Pinellas County School District is systematically discriminating against black children, the agency said on Monday.
› Florida leads the nation for identify theft
Cindy Liebes, a regional director with the FTC, said South Florida is the epicenter for complaints of identify theft, especially income tax fraud. She warned that consumers should mask their social security card information, because that gives thieves an open window to their finances, taxes and other benefits.
› Blood bank gets ready for Zika virus
It's only a matter of time before the Zika virus reaches Southwest Florida, says Suncoast Blood Bank CEO Scott Bush, and he and his team are working to get as much blood stored up so they can cope once it arrives.
› Jury delivers $44.4 million verdict against Swisher
A jury in California has ordered Jacksonville's Swisher International to pay $44.4 million to a small cigar company. Trendsettah USA had filed against Swisher, the world's largest cigar maker, accusing the company of unfair business practices.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
In case you missed it: