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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida's growth challenges state's energy future
Florida’s population and economy are surging and so is the Sunshine State’s thirst for energy. Currently, ranked as the third most populous state in the nation at 21 million residents, Florida is projected to add another 6 million residents by 2030. The challenge for the state’s utilities, including Tampa Electric Co., Duke Energy, and Florida Power & Light, is finding the right mix of safe, reliable and affordable energy sources. [Source: 83 Degrees Media]
Community Portrait
Miami: Well-connected for global trade and tourism
When railroad tycoon Henry Flagler expanded his Florida East Coast Railway to Miami in the 1890s, it became the most convenient way to move people and cargo to and from the city. Today, railcars, ships and aircraft bring the world to Miami’s doorstep. Miami is well-connected. Whether via PortMiami, Miami International Airport, several intermodal centers, and similar ports and facilities along the Southeast Florida coast, its ports drive countless billions of dollars in the local and state economies. [Sponsored report]
Florida posts 4th highest foreclosure rate in first quarter
One in 487 properties in Florida started the foreclosure process during the first quarter of the year -- the fourth highest foreclosure rate in the nation, according to an ATTOM Data Solutions analysis of property data. A total of 2,014 properties in the state had foreclosure filings during the first three months of 2019, the data showed. [Source: Florida Watchdog]
USF drops new academic logo after backlash
The new look at USF is out. The bull that some said looked like the Merrill Lynch logo is being thrown out after just eight months. Hundreds of the logos on campus light poles and other areas will come down and be replaced with the athletic department’s "Bull U" logo at a cost of around $1 million, according to USF's VP of marketing and communications, Joe Hice. [Source: WTVT]
A look at Florida bills that passed and failed in 2019
Florida lawmakers filed more than 3,500 bills for the 2019 legislative session and fewer than 200 passed both chambers of the Legislature before it adjourned its annual session on Saturday. The highlights of the Republican-led Legislature’s work include a ban on “sanctuary cities,” several rollbacks of health care regulations, a controversial roads project and a narrow interpretation of Amendment 4. More from the AP and the Tampa Bay Times.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Zero waste in St. Pete? New retailers take root
Within the last few months, the three St. Pete entrepreneurs have set up shops that are anti-packaging and pro all-natural ingredients: Kenwood's Organic Produce, Sans Market and the Refillery. Embracing what is often called the zero-waste movement, these new stores cater to those trying to cut down on their plastic consumption.
› Lawsuit cited as reason to ban retail pet sales at Manatee Petland
The owners of a newly opened Petland store in Manatee County are among the defendants in a federal class-action lawsuit filed in Georgia pertaining to alleged sales of infected puppies. Animal advocates are citing the litigation as a reason they want Manatee County to ban retail sales of puppies and kittens unless the animals come from reputable “hobby breeders” or animal rescue groups.
› FGCU entrepreneurship students report earning $2.5M in gross revenue
FGCU's two-year-old entrepreneurship degree program keeps a log of how many businesses its students start and how much the businesses gross. Students reported $2 million in gross revenue in fall 2018 compared to $2.5 million in spring 2019, the program's number show.
› Miami’s housing affordability crisis is dire. A new report reveals possible solutions
A new study shows that Miami’s affordable housing crisis is so dire, the city needs at least 50,000 units just to meet the existing need. But the Connect Miami Capital Report, which was released Monday, reveals a combination of tools and resources that would help to alleviate the dearth of housing for cash-burdened residents.
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