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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Planning for growth: Florida in 2030
Today, the Florida Chamber Foundation unveiled a set of goals aimed at creating a robust, competitive and inclusive economy for the Florida of 2030, when the population is expected to have grown 24 percent to 26 million.
"Everything is accelerating," foundation executive vice president Tony Carvajal told a crowd during a two-day "Future of Florida" forum in Orlando. "The game is getting serious." Recommendations from the Chamber include:
- Florida is growing- the state needs to add 1.7 million net new jobs by 2030.
- Florida must prepare its workforce to take advantage of global consumer demand.
- Florida is experiencing generational changes.
And more, at this summary report (includes video) here. Also see the Tampa Bay Times.
Citizens touts post-Irma financial strength
Citizens Property Insurance has incurred $1.81 billion in losses from Hurricane Irma and handled an estimated 70,800 claims, which has led the state-backed insurer to go outside to cover nearly one-third of its storm-related costs. But Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Montero told Citizens’ Audit Committee that the insurer’s financial picture is “incredibly strong” despite the losses due to Irma. More from Florida Politics and the Orlando Sentinel.
Amazon expands Whole Foods delivery to Orlando
Amazon is expanding one-hour grocery delivery from Whole Foods for its Prime customers and pickup services at stores in the Orlando area and nine new markets starting Wednesday. A year after buying the natural foods grocery chain for $13.7 billion, Amazon has now expanded the delivery service to 48 cities. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
AAA opens 155,000 square foot Florida administrative building in Town ‘N' Country
AAA is celebrating the opening of a brand new building in the Tampa Bay area. The auto club held a ribbon-cutting for its brand new Florida administrative office building on Henderson Road in Town ‘N’ Country. Over 700 employees from three previous locations around Tampa will work in the new office. More from WFLA.
Florida is a killing field for cyclists
Bicyclists are far more likely to be killed in Florida than any other state, and it dominates the rankings of most dangerous cities for cyclists, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. More from the Orlando Sentinel and WOFL.
UHealth's mobile clinic delivers doctors, medical solutions to kids in need
In an era when society often struggles to provide adequate medical services to families in need, UHealth — the University of Miami Health System — is celebrating more than a quarter-century of sending pediatric doctors, nurses and basic and critical facilities into the field where the demand is greatest. Full story here. [Sponsored report]
Sports Business
World Rowing Masters Regatta
Nearly 2,000 adult rowers from nearly 50 nations are expected taking part in the World Rowing Masters Regatta at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. The regatta starts Wednesday evening with opening ceremonies and concludes Sunday afternoon.
» More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida Law
New state law imposes heavy fines for beehive theft
A new law goes into effect October 1st which will create stricter penalties for stealing beehives, that’s good news for Florida farmers experiencing decreased profits and honey bee die-offs. Tony Hogg, former president of the Florida State Beekeepers Association, says beekeepers may eventually be unable to compete with overseas honey competitors and he calls the die-offs and thefts a ”constant threat” to Florida bees.
» Read more from WFSU.
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