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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Next steps eyed in Florida's fight against water woes
Local governments have spent $17.3 million the state provided to combat outbreaks of red tide and toxic blue-green algae, which have caused massive fish kills and fouled waters in coastal areas for more than a year. And as red tide lingers in some Southwest Florida areas, and just $1.7 million of $19 million in state funding remains unspent by the 12 most-directly impacted counties, lawmakers are eyeing the next steps. More from WUSF and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Citrix revenue grows 5 percent in 2018
Fort Lauderdale-based Citrix Systems on Wednesday had a year to celebrate, with revenue and earnings outpacing analysts’ estimates. The global software company said fourth-quarter revenue grew by 3 percent and by 5 percent for 2018. See the announcement from Citrix and read more from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Florida county raises tobacco buying age to 21
Alachua County will become the first in the state to implement a tobacco ordinance, raising the minimum age for tobacco sales. The ordinance was passed unanimously and will raise the age of tobacco sales to 21. More from WJXT.
Publix, Disney named 2 of the 'world's most admired companies' by Fortune Magazine
Two businesses that are well-known to Floridians have made Fortune Magazine's list of the world's most admired companies. Fortune said its 50 "All-Stars" list is determined based on ratings calculated from thousands of executives, directors and securities analysts within each industry. More from WTVT.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando opens with an island feel
A calypso band and hula dancers on Wednesday helped debut the latest in a string of new hotels opening in Central Florida, the 184-room Margaritaville Resort Orlando in Kissimmee. The building is part of an $800 million hotel, entertainment and water park complex that sits on 300 acres just southwest of Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom theme park. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
An innovator in earliest childhood care
Saima Aftab, MD, director of the Fetal Care Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, is a mother three times over. She knows the daily challenges of typical parenthood — let alone the shock of unforeseen pregnancy complications. The Fetal Care Center at Nicklaus Children’s is dedicated to families expecting an infant with medical needs that require intervention at birth. [Sponsored Report]
Sports Business
Miami’s pursuit of an MLS soccer stadium for Beckham team faces a new lawsuit
Two lawsuits filed by a Miami attorney aim to derail the effort to redevelop a city-owned golf course into a stadium and commercial complex for David Beckham’s planned Major League Soccer team. One suit, filed late Tuesday, raises questions about whether the city correctly described the land that would be leased for construction of the complex.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Agriculture
Focus sharpened to defend Florida avocados from deadly disease
The deadly laurel wilt disease has taken a large bite out of the nutritious tree fruit crop in recent years. In response, stakeholders have mounted concerted efforts to save the $100 million-a-year industry. Modern technology could be the ultimate solution. According to University of Florida researchers, remote imaging can effectively detect the laurel wilt pathogen — even before the trees show symptoms.
» Read more from Growing Produce.
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