Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 8/1/2018

Many new voters scrambled to join rolls in time for primary

Florida had 12.9 million voters at the start of July and seems certain to break 13 million for the primary, but official county-by-county totals are not yet available. Counties have five days to record all new registrations and then the state will verify them. Comparing the latest available numbers to the voter roll before the primary in 2014 (the last midterm election), the total number of voters has grown by 9.5 percent. Democrats maintain a small statewide advantage over Republicans, 37 percent to 35 percent. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

New jobs spurt up in manufacturing, construction giving Miami-Dade County’s economy a boost

Growing jobs are giving Miami-Dade County’s economy a solid boost in the heat of summer months that decades ago were known only for the off-season doldrums. Both the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the One Community One Goal targeted job creation program here produced figures last week that showed a stronger labor situation than Miami has ever seen. More from Miami Today.

Orlando office construction built to suit more often than most of Florida

Metro Orlando’s building more office space to suit businesses than any other region in the state, according to commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield – and new construction is pushing Central Florida prices higher than anywhere else in the state. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Silicon Valley just made this South Florida company a whole lot richer

For nearly a decade, Sunrise-based MDLive has been putting South Florida’s healthcare technology sector on the map. Claiming the title of America’s largest telemedicine provider, MDLive allows anyone to access a board-certified doctor, dermatologist or counselor remotely. More from the Miami Herald.

Gainesville startup helping women inventors get started

Sometimes we get great business ideas in our heads but we never quite know how to get the ball rolling. One Gainesville start up gives women inventors a space and the resources to begin their business venture. More from WCJB.

Public Safety
SWFWMD aims to reduce risk of wildfires by scheduling prescribed fires in eight counties

Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control, as many Floridians witnessed during the state’s wildfire emergency last year. That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns in eight counties beginning in August, 2018.

» Full news release from SWFWMD, here.

Florida Dining
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival menus released

Start making your foodie plan of attack by perusing the newly released menus for this year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The event will be held from Aug. 30-Nov. 12. Park admission is required.