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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida’s new billion-dollar hemp market is at risk, industry advocates say
Florida’s grand plan for a multibillion-dollar hemp industry that would make the state an emerging leader in the nation’s latest green rush could be at risk, some industry advocates say. A federal proposed rule for stringent testing would result in less “CBD content” in hemp crops, making them less attractive to buyers. That’s according to the Hemp Industries Association of Florida, which has complained to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is developing regulations to oversee hemp production. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Wireless carriers use Miami Super Bowl to spotlight new 5G technology
For wireless carriers, the Super Bowl in Miami has become a big game beyond the field. Why? When 65,000 people all try to upload selfies and video of J.Lo.’s half-time show, network congestion ensues. The game lets carriers show off their access chops and also argue for their superior quality in the next generation of mobile connectivity -- 5G. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida Trend Related Content
» Florida's 5G technology revolution is coming
Florida lawmakers advance ban on lobbying and self-dealing
A law that will put teeth into the voter-approved ban on elected officials using their public office for private gain was unanimously approved by the Florida House on Wednesday and is headed to the state Senate. There was no discussion. The measure puts penalties behind the ethics rules imposed by Amendment 12, the constitutional change overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2018 to end the revolving door between public office and private lobbying. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida has $2 billion in unclaimed property. Is some of it yours?
When a bank or other financial account remains inactive long enough, the money gets turned over to the state. You might ask, who forgets about a bank account? But it happens enough that Florida is holding about $2 billion in unclaimed property, including money and items like watches, jewelry, coins, stamps and other collectibles from unused safe deposit boxes. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Census reports significant dip in international migration, though Florida is still on top
Based on projected numbers for net international migration in 2019, experts at the Census Bureau believe that last year will mark the lowest level of net immigration into the U.S. for the past decade. Net migration of foreign-born individuals steadily increased between 2010 and 2016, however since 2016 net migration has dropped fairly steeply. At its highest level, which was between 2015 and 2016, the country gained a net total of over one million new foreign-born residents. [Source: Miami Agent Magazine]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Boca Raton Museum of Art receives a $1 million donation and shatters a 70-year record
The Boca Raton Museum of Art hit “two major philanthropic milestones” at its recent 70th anniversary gala. The gala’s honorary chairs, Jody Harrison Grass and Martin Grass — along with their children Leila, Sharla, and Noah — donated $1 million to benefit the museum’s education initiatives, said executive director Irvin Lippman.
› Anti-fraud tech firm expands in Tampa Bay area, expects to create 20 high-wage jobs
Jacksonville-based Sound Payments, a tech firm that fights fraud at gas pumps and other points of sale, has opened an office in St. Petersburg. The new location, according to a press release, will support the firm’s Petro Solutions division, which focuses on the elimination of scams and fraud schemes at gas stations via payment card technology known as EMV Easy Pump.
› Jacksonville-based Fanatics inks deal with Marlins
The Fanatics sports apparel and memorabilia company has reached a retail partnership with the Miami Marlins major league baseball team. The Jacksonville-based retailer will sell Marlins merchandise through online, mobile and Marlins store outlets for the next 10 years, the company said.
› Food truck parks on the rise in Central Florida with another proposed for Kissimmee
The growing food truck craze in Central Florida has another potential development with a food truck park proposed steps from Old Town Kissimmee and Fun Spot, according to a report in GrowthSpotter. The project, proposed for 2797 Florida Plaza Blvd., Kissimmee, could include 10 spots for food trucks, plans show
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