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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Early forecast for 2019 hurricane season is out
An early outlook for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season offers hope the atmosphere will take a break following two frenetic years of tropical cyclone activity but notes that Mother Nature is giving no clear signal of her intent. The December outlook does not predict the number of storms but forecasts the amount of accumulated cyclone energy, or ACE, for the season. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Department of Health reports widespread flu activity in Florida right now
Health experts are asking you to be extra vigilant when heading out to holiday parties in order to stay healthy and avoid the flu this season. The Florida Department of Health says more people are coming down with the flu, especially in South Florida. Flu cases are also continuing to go up across the state, at higher levels than seen in past seasons. [Source: WPTV]
Five 2018 storylines that will shape the political landscape of Florida in 2019
Echoes of 2018 will ring through the halls of the state Capitol well into the New Year and long after. When Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis takes office Jan. 8 he will have to deal with a plateful of consequences from the past year that will largely shape what he will be able to accomplish in his first year in office. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Surgeon General exit means new Florida health leaders
While the incoming DeSantis administration has kept some of Gov. Rick Scott’s top officials, the state’s largest health-care agencies will see leadership changes. State Surgeon General Celeste Philip has announced her resignation from the Florida Department of Health, effective Jan 8. Philip didn’t say in an email to staff where she would work next. [Source: WJXT]
Predicting how 2019 will look for jobs, taxes and other pocketbook issues
It's tough to know what each new year may hold. But when it comes to economic issues, there are usually enough indicators to provide a solid glimpse into what's ahead. So the South Florida Sun-Sentinel asked experts to weigh in on how they anticipate how those big drivers may impact your financial well-being in 2019. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› U.S. Navy sinks plans to bring USS Adams to Jacksonville
Yearslong plans to bring America's first guided missile destroyer to Jacksonville as a floating museum have been scrapped after the U.S. Navy decided to mothballed the ship rather than donate it. The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association has worked for 10 years to save the USS Adams from the scrapyard and make it a downtown attraction.
› Hot shop and concert venue could be newest additions to booming St. Pete neighborhood
The next addition to the Warehouse Arts District could be a new outdoor event space and glass blowing facility. That’s the goal of Robert and Cherie Beaman, who have applied for a zoning change to allow for such a venue. They envision using the outdoors area for crafts fairs, beer fests, concerts, music festivals and anything else they can come up with.
› Port Manatee has been growing rapidly. Here’s why it could be just the beginning
Port Manatee, which has been rapidly growing its business in recent years, appears to be among Florida ports best positioned for the future. The reason: location, land and facilities availability. And it’s not just Port Manatee staff saying that.
› New International Drive attractions compete more with Disney, Universal for tourists' time
I-Drive has grown so much with the Eye opening, new restaurants and hotels, virtual reality and other smaller attractions, it’s becoming a destination in itself, stealing away visitors from the theme parks.
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