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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Emergency Bridge Loan Program available for small businesses damaged by Hurricane Michael
Gov. Rick Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Michael. The bridge loan program provides short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage. See Gov. Scott's news release and get more information from the Florida SBDC.
More aftermath:
» Thousands of people reported missing after Hurricane Michael - poor communication is biggest factor
» Airbnb expands 'Hurricane Michael Open Homes Program'
» Opinion: Hurricane Michael reminds us it’s past time to get smarter about where we build
» Political parties seek to help Hurricane Michael victims
Florida's fourth on 'State Business Tax Climate Index'
With no individual income tax, and with relatively low corporate, unemployment and property tax rates, Florida ranks fourth for the best business climate in the nation, says the Tax Foundation. The top 5 states for best business tax climate are Wyoming, Alaska, South Dakota, Florida and Montana. See the report here.
Orlando Rolon named Orlando's new police chief
Deputy Chief Orlando Rolon’s appointment as Orlando’s new chief of police drew a standing ovation from both officers and city officials at a ceremony Thursday. Rolon, 54, will be the city’s first Hispanic police chief in a city where about 30 percent of residents are Hispanic. “Orlando has been my home…for the past four decades and I don’t take this opportunity lightly,” Rolon said. More from Orlando Sentinel.
Tampa International Airport on 'Best Airports in U.S.' list
Readers of Condé Nast Traveler ranked the top 10 best airports in the U.S. Each year, airports across the U.S. get marks for variety of excellent food and beverage choices, retail therapy, fast (and free) Wi-Fi, fitness options, ease of connection, and more. Tampa International, at #5, is the only Florida airport on this survey. More from Condé Nast Traveler.
Commentary: Aging Florida sewage systems pose threat to health — and tourism, real estate
Many Florida utilities rely on aging sewage systems that have not been upgraded in some cases since the 1950s. Florida’s fragile ecosystems and economies should not be threatened by the inevitable spills and breakdowns that occur in these systems. Full column from Dr. Brandon D. Shuler.
Inquiry
We asked Florida candidates if they’ve smoked marijuana. Here’s what they said.
The Tampa Bay Times asked all candidates for statewide office if they have ever smoked marijuana, and if their experiences with the drug have influenced their views on marijuana policy. Four of the 12 candidates acknowledged prior marijuana use, including the Democratic nominee for governor, Andrew Gillum. "Many years ago," his spokeswoman Johanna Cervone said. Gillum has advocated for legalizing marijuana and taxing it.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Event
Last weekend for SHINE mural festival in St. Petersburg
The fourth annual SHINE Mural Festival is back in St. Petersburg, Florida, until Sunday. The event invites artists from all over the world to add more art around the downtown area. Since it began in 2015, more than 55 murals have been created at the SHINE festival. By the end of this year's ten day event, there will be 13 more. » Read more at WUSF.
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