Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 10/3/2018

Python invasion could have lasting effects on Florida ecosystem

Experts say Big Cypress National Preserve is under siege by the rapidly growing numbers of Burmese pythons, and if the population isn’t under control it could change an entire ecosystem. “If we don’t get Burmese pythons under control in big Cypress national preserve they could have a real detrimental impact on our mammal population and hunting community,” said Tony Pernas, a wildlife biologist. More from WINK News.

Orange County tourist tax increases but misses projections

. The $18.8 million collected in August on short-term rentals — mostly hotels and motels — failed to reach projections by 2 percent, but the total still represented a $1.3 million jump over last year. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Spanish firm Cosentino finds success in Coral Gables

Cosentino is finding success in Coral Gables after moving its headquarters from Texas last year. The Spanish company, specializing in bathroom and kitchen countertops, has exceeded its tax incentive requirements, recruiting 85-plus employees while expanding throughout South Florida. More from Miami Today.

Cade Prize 2018: Winner aims to boost Florida orange groves

This year the winner of the Cade prize is a company called Soilcea. Soilcea is an agricultural biotechnology company focused on using gene editing to solve citrus diseases. Soilcea changes the genes of citrus crops. More from WCJB.

Florida candidates tap into $6 million in tax dollars, topping record for public financing

With slightly more than a month to go before the November election, Florida statewide candidates have topped a matching-funds record from the 2010 election . Bolstered by small-dollar fundraising in the race for governor, $6.08 million has been sent by the state to candidates this year. More from the Orlando Sentinel and WJXT.

Attractions
Florida's coolest city blocks

Florida is not a one-size-fits-all vacation wonderland. The Sunshine State is made up of different regions, counties and cities with their own personalities. Visitors who drill down further will find that each city has distinct districts worthy of a stop during your travels. And they are walkable.

» More from VisitFlorida.

Florida 500
Robert Holton

As a Florida State University chemistry professor, Robert Holton made one of the largest cancer discoveries in history by figuring out how to synthesize Taxol, an anti-cancer drug originally extracted from the bark of the yew tree.
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