Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/7/2018

Red tide is still in our waters and experts can’t say when it will end

This year’s red tide outbreak began simple enough in October 2017, with a small bloom lingering to the south. It survived the winter and warmer weather — coupled with warmer water — saw it intensify and spread. So what does 2019 and beyond look like for Florida's beaches? The short answer is nobody knows for sure and scientists are still struggling to find out. More from the Bradenton Herald.

Boosting oyster industry tops requests for BP oil spill recovery dollars

Three projects are seeking millions in BP oil spill recovery dollars to help revitalize the oyster industry in Franklin and Wakulla counties. The proposals are among the dozens of requests from both counties, which are looking at securing $49.43 million from Triumph Gulf Coast Inc. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.

Citrus County farm business is a national award finalist

Elite OviGen Inc., a business developed by a Citrus County rancher, has been named a finalist in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Ag Innovation Challenge competition. The honor comes with a $15,000 cash award. Anette Skoog, founder of the business, will now compete for the title of Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneur of the Year. More from Florida Trend.

Opinion: Beverage companies are helping protect Florida's beaches, waterways

Here in Florida, we know how vital it is to take extra care to protect our beaches and waterways, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. America’s beverage companies are supporting programs that have been shown to increase recycling and keep reusable materials from being landfilled or becoming litter. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.

Successful test for Harris Corp.'s 'small' satellite technology

A growing market in space involves smaller satellites, and Harris Corp. plans to be a big player. The Melbourne-headquartered Harris has announced it successfully launched and communicated with its first small satellite, or "smallsat" called HSAT. More from Florida Today.

The six pieces of information you need to accurately budget structured parking

Warren Buffett once said, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. With only six pieces of information, it’s possible to receive a guaranteed lump sum price for your specific parking structure, at little to no cost and well below market prices. Read the full sponsored report here.

Out of the Box
Florida company sells GPS ankle bracelets so parents can track kids

A company in Tampa is selling GPS ankle monitors for parents to know where their children are 24/7. The ankle bracelet would give parents the location of their kid no matter what. The bracelet would even let parents know if the child was trying to tamper with the monitor or take it off.

» More from WJXT and FOX5.

Florida 500
Michelle R. Suskauer

Michelle R. Suskauer, 2018-19 PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA BAR, tells us, “Years ago, when I was working for a firm and had just become a new mother, it was difficult for them to understand that I could still be successful and effective without sacrificing time at home with my family."