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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
How the turmoil in Puerto Rico affects Florida
Florida is home to 1.2 million Puerto Ricans, the largest diaspora of Puerto Ricans in the U.S. and a diaspora that has grown tremendously in the past two decades — 110% between 2000 and 2014 alone. But more consequential is that the diaspora’s growth — especially the recent waves of migration — is directly tied to the corruption and economic instability protesters on the island are fighting against. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Orlando outshines other Florida cities in clean-energy report
Orlando, at nearly 100 feet above sea level, was ranked best in the Southeast for clean energy by an environmental group, while Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa and St. Petersburg got lower grades despite rising seas lapping at their shorelines. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy issued its 2019 City Clean Energy Scorecard on Thursday, evaluating 75 cities in the U.S. and ranking Orlando overall at No. 15. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
It may be in your DNA: First large-scale DNA study in Florida aims to unlock the secret to a healthier life
Can we crack the code to a healthier life? Researchers at AdventHealth are giving consumers potentially lifesaving information about their heart health with a first-of-its-kind DNA study in Florida — “WholeMe.” Beginning this week, 10,000 people will have the opportunity to join the WholeMe study, in which personal genomics company Helix will sequence the participants’ DNA. More at Florida Trend.
Is Tampa the new Miami for tourists?
Visit Tampa Bay reported this week visitors pumped $6.6 billion into Hillsborough County last year, fueling tens of thousands of local jobs. More than 2,000 hotel rooms are under construction right now in Tampa Bay, with big events on the horizon that promise to bring even more visitors. Local hoteliers and vendors are in the midst of celebrating the area's growth while attempting to predict the future. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
JEA takes next step in seeking offers for utility
Just two days after the JEA board decided to explore privatization of the city-owned utility, JEA announced Thursday in rapid-fire fashion it has hired four firms to provide financial and legal advice to JEA while inviting offers for the utility. Potential buyers would need to have deep pockets, because any deal would have to generate at least $3 billion for the city of Jacksonville. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Out of the Box
‘World’s largest Jet Ski’ offers unique tour of Gulf
It was a busy Tuesday for HarborWalk Village as tourists packed the docks while trying to find their rented rides for a day on the water. It was a lime green hybrid machine, however, that caused a traffic jam at the docks by noon as people stopped to admire the vessel. The sleek ride was guarded by a gentleman known only at the docks as “The Boat Man,” who was happy to let anyone who asked know it was the only one if its kind in the world — the Hydro Jet.
» More from the Palm Beach Post.
Florida Dining
Jaguar Lab is Back with Chef Oscar and Guest Chef Veronica Guerra
Jaguar Lab is back again to bring guests an out of this world experience! Presented by Chef Oscar Del Rivero and Jaguar Latin American Kitchen, Jaguar Lab is a monthly series where Chefs are welcome to embrace their creativity and experiment with different flavors and cuisines, where no idea is too “extra.”
» Read more from at Florida Trend.
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