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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
UCF researchers’ model predicts what causes sea level rise on Florida’s coasts
University of Central Florida researchers have developed a model that leaders can use to plan for sea level rise in the state’s coastal regions.UCF Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering’s Thomas Wahl says their model doesn’t predict when or where sea level rise will happen. But Wahl says it can look at historical data and determine which natural events have caused very high sea levels in coastal regions in the past. More from WMFE.
Amazon warehouse comes to Deltona and gets $2.5 million tax break to create 500 jobs
On the day after Christmas, Deltona city leaders approved giving Amazon an estimated $2.5 million tax incentive to build a new warehouse in the city. The online retailer was announced Thursday as the company behind the 1.4-million-square-foot distribution center planned for off of Interstate 4. Leaders of the Volusia County bedroom community of nearly 92,000 people then signed off on an estimated $2.5 million tax break for the company. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
UF Health researchers to map hotspots to see if algal blooms pose health risks to humans
Florida’s freshwater lakes, springs and waterways are increasingly threatened by harmful algal blooms that contaminate the water and endanger the lives of aquatic plants and animals. But do toxic algal blooms pose a threat to human health as well? With funding from the Florida Department of Health and the help of big data analytics, a team of researchers from the University of Florida and UF Health plans to find out. More from the Star.
Orlando International Airport tops 50 million passengers annually
Reaching that milestone in October, that’s as many as every Orlando resident passing through the airport 280 times in a year. “We could not be more pleased that we became the first Florida airport to hit such an incredible milestone,” airport director Phil Brown said. But while 50 million passengers annually is the most of any Florida airport – and Orlando’s airport now ranks as the nation’s 10th busiest – the airport also is hosting about 5 million passengers a year more than it is designed to handle. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
More adventures to come to Central Florida theme parks in 2020
From the opening of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disney to a new Harry Potter-themed roller coaster at Universal, 2019 was a banner year for new, immersive attractions at Orlando's theme parks. The new year promises changes and new attractions to the theme parks. Although "Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance" opened earlier this month, many Disney guests will experience it for the first time in 2020. The ride is billed as the most ambitious, technologically advanced rides Disney has ever created. More from WESH.
Meet Stacy Ritter
Broward County's champion of change
From business to politics, women in Florida’s most diverse county are changing the perception of Greater Fort Lauderdale. And one in particular is pushing the boundaries of what has been a very traditional approach to tourism in the Sunshine State.
» Sponsored by GFLCVB.
Florida Trend Exclusive
$16.4-million sailing and conference center proposed in Eustis
Eustis city officials have proposed a $16.4-million sailing and conference center to replace the city’s community center downtown. The three-story, 56,000-sq.-ft. facility is expected to attract regattas and other sailing events.
» More from Florida Trend.
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