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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today.
Possibility of moving Florida state capital re-emerges
In an idea that has popped up repeatedly and rejected in the past, a South Florida Democrat is again asking lawmakers to consider moving the state capital from Tallahassee to Central Florida. The proposal seeks a study by the Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability about the cost of relocating the capital to Central Florida, as well as the economic impact to Tallahassee and the surrounding area. More from CBS Miami and WLRN.
Young professionals moving to Florida is on the rise
While Florida is often thought of as a mecca for retirees, a recent analysis of moving trends by one of the nation’s top moving companies documented that nearly a third of new residents moving to the Sunshine State are young professionals. More at Florida Trend.
Florida doubles efforts to hunt invasive pythons
Florida’s python patrol, which has notched nearly 3,000 captures of the exotic invader in two years, is about to get bigger. Gov. Ron DeSantis pledged Wednesday to double funds for python removal this year and said the state will work with the federal government to expand access to Big Cypress National Preserve so that hunters can catch more snakes. More from the Miami Herald and the AP.
Florida legalized hemp. Now prosecutors are dropping marijuana charges and retiring dogs
A new hemp law in Florida has forced prosecutors across the state to toss marijuana convictions, forced police to rethink when they can search suspects and may lead to the retirements of some drug-sniffing dogs. The law, which made the possession of hemp legal on July 1, has forced law enforcement agencies to adapt to a substance that is nearly identical to cannabis, albeit without the psychoactive THC that makes marijuana alluring. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Rocket streak seen across Florida after early morning ULA launch of $1.1 billion satellite
Commuters across Florida woke up to the streaks of a rocket crossing the sky early Thursday after United Launch Alliance launched a multi-billion-dollar Air Force satellite from the Space Coast. The $1.1 billion Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite, fifth in a series of six, took off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s launch complex 41 at 6:13 a.m. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Sports Business
Camping World Stadium $60 million renovation could bolster World Cup bid
Camping World Stadium will get $60 million in upgrades, which could help bolster Orlando's push to host 2026 World Cup matches. Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan and the team that pushed for stadium-renovation funds got the final approval from the Orange County Commission on Tuesday. The last wave of funding comes five years after a $207-million renovation on what was then known as the Citrus Bowl.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Out of the Box
Treat yourself to this candy-themed mansion in Florida
A candy-themed mansion called “Sweet Escape” is listed on Airbnb, and it’s located on five acres of land in Mount Dora, Florida. The mansion has 10 sugar-themed bedrooms and according to its Airbnb page, it can sleep families and groups up to 52 people. The estate takes up over 8,400 square feet and features an ice cream pool, indoor and outdoor movie theaters, a mini golf course, a karaoke nightclub, a grilling area, laser tag, a ball pit, a message chair room, an indoor sauna and more.
» Read more from Delish and the Orlando Sentinel.
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