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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Relativity Space gets $140 million; It's funded to launch from Cape Canaveral
Relativity Space, which aims to bring autonomous 3D printing capabilities to spaceflight, recently secured enough investment to become fully funded, paving the way for its first launch from Cape Canaveral in the coming years. Relativity 3D prints rocket components and engines with its metal printer, which is the world's largest. More from Florida Today and Ars Technica.
After five years and an ‘ugly’ process, Miami-Dade is still trying to buy helicopters
Miami-Dade has been trying to buy new rescue helicopters for five years, and the purchasing process may be the messiest ever for a county famous for extended procurement fights. It sparked a brief criminal investigation, though no charges were filed. Ethics investigators were far more productive, issuing scathing reports accusing bidder Agusta and administrators in the county’s fire department of flouting rules governing how local governments are supposed to select vendors. More from the Miami Herald.
Pabst Blue Ribbon Whiskey is out, and Tampa is playing a big part
Pabst Blue Ribbon, the longstanding lager of choice for the frugal and hip, has been making some big moves this year. The 175-year-old company has recently introduced hard coffee, hard seltzer, low calorie and extra-strength options to its beer line and is now entering the spirit world with Pabst Blue Ribbon Whiskey. To market the new white whiskey, PBR turned to Tampa. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida joins T-Mobile-Sprint merger settlement
Florida has joined a list of other states that have settled claims regarding T-Mobile's $26.5 billion takeover of Sprint, Attorney General Ashley Moody said Wednesday. The settlement calls for a divestiture package to allow a competitor to enter the market and will facilitate the rollout of several 5G networks, according to a Justice Department press release. More from CNET.
Sarasota County law enforcement encourages people to turn in prescription drugs
Law enforcement agencies throughout Sarasota County will participate in a national Drug Enforcement Association event to properly dispose of turned-in prescription medications on Oct. 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage medication such as tablets and capsules are accepted. Liquids and needles are not accepted. See the details here and read more from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Urban Renewal
Public Space Challenge winners announced
Miami’s dead zones — those shabby, neglected and underutilized public spaces — are about to be reincarnated. Twelve winners of The Miami Foundation’s annual Public Space Challenge were announced Monday, and they will share $250,000 in prize grants to activate the potential of wasted places.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Business Profile
UF student grows her eco-friendly business
Amidst the wave of the same JanSport and Herschel backpacks, a new kind of bag has surfaced on UF’s campus. With a button-down shirt and a pair of jeans hanging on your shoulder, suddenly you can wear two outfits at once. A new student-run company, “Redefined Goods,” repurposes old clothing into fashionable accessories. The key products include tote bags and matching scrunchies.
» Read more from the Alligator.
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