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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Task force aims to trounce algae growth in Florida's troubled waters
A group of Florida scientists met for the first time, Wednesday, to keep a toxic bacteria at bay and out of Florida waters. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the creation of the Blue-green Algae Task Force in April. It followed what experts believe was the state’s worst blue-green algae outbreak ever, last year. The bacteria has been choking fresh waterways, like the Okeechobee— a hazard for both people and animals. More from WFTS , the Florida Times-Union, and CBS Miami.
See also:
» As toxic algae blooms spawn, suit demands Lake O discharges stop
Citrus industry sees positives as harvest wraps up
Florida’s citrus industry is wrapping up its harvest with totals that at least top the past two seasons. Numbers released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture continued to show slight decreases from earlier forecasts for the 2018-19 citrus growing season. But with nearly the entire harvest completed, the industry maintains things are positive for growers who have struggled in recent years with issues such as citrus greening and Hurricane Irma. More from the Daily Commercial and WOFL.
Record high sales expected in Florida, across the nation for Father’s Day
Retailers across the Sunshine State should expect a boost this week with record high spending expected for Father’s Day. The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) released a report on Wednesday noting that the average family in the Sunshine State will spend $139 per person for Father’s Day, part of $16 billion in spending expected around the nation for the holiday. [Source: Florida Daily]
South Florida's comics industry thrives amid movie success
As the heroes from the Marvel and DC comics universe continue to grow in popularity, a new generation of comic book consumers has created a shift in the industry. The high-flying and brawny heroes in Avengers: Endgame shattered the box office in April. The classic comic characters brought to life on the big screen are not only boosting sales for Hollywood execs, but South Florida comic book stores are also getting a piece of the pie. [Source: NBC Miami]
Reverse mortgages: 15,000 older Florida homeowners at risk of foreclosure and homelessness
Reverse mortgages, known as home-equity conversion mortgages, are available to homeowners over age 62 who want to tap into their homes’ equity. Borrowers make no loan payments as long as they live in the home. The money isn’t paid back until the homeowner dies or moves out. But what sounds like a great deal can have serious pitfalls. [Source: TCPalm]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Ultimate Software names Adam Rogers new co-CEO
Adam Rogers, Ultimate Software’s chief technology officer, has been named co-CEO of the Weston-based technology giant, the company announced Wednesday. Rogers, who joined Ultimate Software in 1997, will lead the company with Scott Scherr founder and now co-CEO.
› Clearwater-based KnowBe4 reaches 'unicorn' status with $1 billion valuation
Home-grown cybersecurity company KnowBe4 announced Wednesday that it has raised another $300 million for its overseas expansion initiatives and along the way achieved the tech world's highly prized "unicorn" status with a valuation of $1 billion.
› Sarasota-Bradenton airport breaks passenger record
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport set a record for passenger traffic in May following a spring season when several new flights took off for the first time. The airport welcomed 161,435 passengers last month, a 39.9% increase from the same month a year before. Year-to-date passenger traffic at Sarasota-Bradenton is also up 38%, according to the airport.
› More than 100 bike racks have been installed at Orlando businesses to address a ‘definite need’
Outside his bar in Orlando’s Milk District, Danny Alvarez sees bikes locked up to fences, street signs, other bikes — “anything that’s available," he says. Anything but a bike rack because there isn’t one there. It’s a problem City Hall has been trying to address, as Orlando adds bike lanes and trails around town, and restaurants and bars look to become more bike friendly.
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