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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida has settled only a single storm-related price-gouging case
In the weeks after Hurricane Irma forced the largest mass evacuation in U.S. history, thousands of angry consumers swamped Attorney General Pam Bondi with complaints of price gouging by hotels, gas stations, retailers and restaurants. Total complaints: 7,500. Total settlements so far: One. But Bondi says, “We’ve just gotten started.” More from the Tampa Bay Times, the Miami Herald, and the AP.
Citrus forecast drop spurs more calls for federal relief
Florida agriculture leaders say the latest projected decline in citrus production underscores a dire need for federal disaster relief after Hurricane Irma. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated Tuesday that Florida will grow enough oranges to fill a decades-low 46 million 90-pound boxes, 8 percent less than in a November estimate. Full story from the Packer, here. See the statement from Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam on the updated citrus crop forecast and the need for federal assistance, and read more at WUSF.
Is Andrew Gillum for real? The polls say one thing. The fundraising numbers, another
Even if Gillum's polling momentum is real, his fundraising prospects are downright grim. In November — Gillum's worst fundraising month to date — the candidate raised about $51,000 less in monetary contributions than he spent between his campaign and political committee. [Source: TBO.com]
Where have the stone crabs gone? Shortage of Florida delicacy drives up prices
Less than halfway through Florida’s lucrative stone crab season, traps are drying up, dealing another blow to a fishing industry still recovering from a beating delivered by a brutal Hurricane Irma. Medium claws that sold for about $19 a pound last year are now going for $26.99. [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida’s constitution commission debating right to a ‘clean and healthy environment’
A proposal to give Floridians the right to “a clean and healthy environment” by placing it into the state’s constitution will be debated in Tallahassee this week, one of five environment-related proposals moving forward. [Source: Daytona Beach News Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› The wait for Wawa is over in Northeast Florida
Northeast Florida residents who ask “what’s a Wawa?” can answer it for themselves starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday at two stores in Duval and Clay counties. Northeastern natives who grew up with the Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store chain swear by its made-to-order hoagies and self-serve coffee.
› Wayfair to create 100 jobs at three new distributions centers across Florida
Governor Scott announced that Wayfair Inc., one of the world’s largest online retailers for home goods, is opening three new distribution centers in Tampa, Orlando and Miami.
› Coming soon to Miami Beach: ‘Art Basel,’ but for cars
Car collectors, rev your engines. The Swiss company that presents Art Basel is bringing a new event to Miami Beach, and it’s focused on that Miami obsession, the automobile. Grand Basel, as the event is called, will bring together classic collectible cars from the past and present with future concept models.
› Utility regulators to allow FPL to charge customers $133 million for Turkey Point canal cleanup
The Florida Public Service Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to allow Florida Power & Light Co. to recover about $132.6 million in costs associated with cleaning up pollution from leaking cooling canals at its Turkey Point nuclear plant in Homestead.
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