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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Flattened by Hurricane Michael, Florida town tries to stave off big development
Mexico Beach is struggling with a balancing act: rebuilding to stricter standards that can guard it against future storms while not increasing costs so much that they drive away homeowners who give the town its character. The community prides itself as a destination for retired teachers, military personnel and others who can’t afford million-dollar beachfront homes. Despite the city’s need for a hefty financial infusion, it is intent on fending off developers who want to build denser and pricier projects. More from the Wall Street Journal.
Winn-Dixie turns store destruction into resilient return to the Florida Keys
In September 2017, Hurricane Irma rattled the Florida Keys and caused unimaginable destruction to the entire Keys community, including the Marathon Winn-Dixie. Now, the Florida Keys Marathon Winn-Dixie has debuted a brand new store to the excitement and cheers of the Keys community. More from Florida Trend.
Florida salesman charged with selling non-existent exotic cars
Authorities say a former salesman at a Florida Porsche dealership scammed more than 30 customers out of about $2.2 million by selling them non-existent cars. Records show 44-year-old Shiraaz Sookralli made his initial appearance Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale federal court. He faces mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering charges. More from the AP.
Fear of red tide causing false alarms in Sarasota-Manatee, scientists say
Two months after wildlife officials declared Florida’s red tide outbreak over, scientists have found traces of the toxic algae in three Southwest Florida counties, but it’s a far cry from the red tide bloom that plagued the state for 18 months. In a word, it’s normal. There is no red tide bloom. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Vendors rush motorized scooters onto Miami streets
Six vendors rushed to put motorized scooters on Miami streets April 1, the beginning of the a six-month pilot scooter pilot program in the city’s District 2. The commission approved the pilot 3-2 in October, with Joe Carollo and Manolo Reyes dissenting, citing safety concerns. More from Miami Today.
Business Profile
Fort Myers Brewing
Just a few days removed from celebrating its sixth anniversary, Fort Myers Brewing co-owner and brewmaster Rob Whyte contemplates, only for a split second, his long-term goal. “World domination,” he says jokingly. Mostly anyway.
» More from the Business Observer.
Florida 500
Julie Talenfeld
A self-described “news junkie,” Julie Talenfeld majored in broadcast journalism before getting into public relations. “I like being involved in the community and working with companies and people who are at the top of their game and industry.”
» Read more from Florida 500.
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