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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Citrus imports playing bigger role in Florida
Oranges imported to Florida — primarily from Brazil and Mexico — are projected to surpass what is grown in the hurricane-damaged Sunshine State this season. The Florida Citrus Commission on Wednesday approved an adjusted $17.8 million budget that takes into account an increase in imports that will help cover crops lost in September to Hurricane Irma. More from the Lakeland Ledger and the Orlando Sentinel.
See also:
» Florida citrus growers left out of hurricane aid
Amid frustration, Scott’s team vows to speed up storm reimbursements
On the job for three weeks, Gov. Rick Scott’s interim state disaster chief told lawmakers Wednesday he sees “significant opportunity for improvement” in how long Florida takes to repay cities and counties for recovery costs for past hurricanes. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Bringing modern agriculture from farm to table
South Florida’s Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) farmland is among the most fertile and productive anywhere in the world. And for more than 55 years, Florida Crystals’ farmers have been tending to these fields to deliver farm-fresh products to tables across America. Full story here. [Sponsored report]
Lawmakers look to change child marriage laws in Florida
Over the last 15 years, 200,000 Americans under the age of 18 have been wed. In Florida, 1,000 more are married each year. Florida’s lax marriage laws are to blame, allowing children of any age to be wed if a pregnancy is involved. Now state legislators are looking to change that. See proposed bill, SB 140, "Marriage of Minors: Prohibiting the issuance of a marriage license to any person under the age of 18 years," as filed by state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto. Also read more at WJHG.
Regulators absolve Duke Energy customers of lingering Levy costs
For Duke Energy Florida customers, the never-built Levy Nuclear Project is finally, officially behind them. Per a unanimous decision by regulators Wednesday, Duke customers, who have doled out nearly $1 billion for Levy costs over the past five years, will not have to pay any more. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
See also:
» Company announcement: Duke Energy settlement agreement paves way for smarter energy future
› Hurricanes in Texas and Florida contribute to NeoGenomics' loss in third quarter
In the third quarter NeoGenomics Inc. faced many challenges, including a double whammy from two hurricanes that affected its labs in Houston and Fort Myers. The challenges showed up in its financial results announced Wednesday.
› Medical marijuana dispensaries banned in Boca Raton for at least one more year
It will be at least a year before Boca Raton reconsiders allowing medical marijuana dispensaries. The city council banned the shops from opening within city limits Tuesday.
› Top management changes at CSX
The changes continue at CSX as the railroad is replacing some of its top management. James Foote is joining the company as chief operations officer, taking the responsibilities of two executives, the company announced Wednesday. Also read more at the Florida Times-Union.
› Taking a bike in South Florida could be as easy as grabbing an Uber – someday.
Could the Miami area someday become a bicycle-commuting mecca? A Silicon Valley startup is among those betting on it. While Citi Bikes have become prevalent in Miami’s downtown areas and Miami Beach, LimeBike hopes the blue bikes will soon be seeing green.
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