March 29, 2024

Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 7/10/2018

State pension fund keeps positive growth streak alive

Florida’s $160.4 billion state pension fund showed a preliminary return of 8.99 percent for the fiscal year that ended June 30, marking the ninth straight year the retirement fund has shown a positive gain. The nine-year positive run began after the fund plunged more than 19 percent in 2008-09 as Florida was dealing with the impact of the Great Recession. More from WJXT and the News Service of Florida.

No more "traffic traps" in Florida, says AAA

Waldo Speed Trap ahead

For years, AAA posted signs like this outside Waldo, Florida, warning motorists. But that era has come to an end. Story here.

A nearly 23-yearlong era of being designated the only AAA Traffic Traps in the USA has come to an end for the Florida cities of Lawtey and Waldo. The national AAA organization has approved the request from AAA – The Auto Club Group which for decades has worked with government and transportation officials at all levels to address undue traffic law enforcement taking place for profit, and not for safety. More in the news release from AAA.

Florida’s environment a pivotal issue in 2018 election

Environmental protection quickly is becoming a big issue in the 2018 election as more toxic algae blooms slime estuaries, kill sea life and choke coastal Florida communities with foul air. Florida’s tourism-driven economy depends on clean water, and candidates are under pressure to offer solutions for a problem that is so bad it led the governor to declare a state of emergency. More from the St. Augustine Record.

Cuba unfreezing growth of private tourism businesses

The Cuban government will allow new restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and transportation businesses by the end of the year, reopening the most vibrant sectors of the private economy after freezing growth for more than a year. More from the AP.

TECO Peoples Gas voted most trusted utility in country

TECO Peoples Gas was named the most trusted utility in the country, according to a recent report by Market Studies International. The report ranks utilities based on votes by their customers. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Out of the Box
SharkCon 2018

 SharkCon’s fifth year kicks off on Shark Appreciation Day, July 14, inside the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Richard Dreyfuss and other cast members from the movie "Jaws" will be hosting a panel on Sunday. They’ll also be signing autographs and taking pictures both days of the event.

» Read more in the news release.

 

Business Profile
Decor Direct Wholesale Warehouse

florida First-time visitors to Decor Direct Wholesale Warehouse often are overheard saying things such as "mind-boggling" and "overwhelming" as they try to take in the company's sprawling showroom. Such is the variety, size and scope of a showroom packed with antiques, furniture, collectibles, jewelry, salvage, old equipment, tools and more.

» Read more from the Bradenton Herald.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Facial recognition cameras in Florida city spark privacy concerns
Facial recognition cameras in Florida city spark privacy concerns

New security cameras in downtown Lakeland are raising concerns about privacy. The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority has begun installing 13 new security cameras on streets, sidewalks, and alleyways, and there are mixed feelings about them.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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