SHARE:
Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
As Florida, Georgia battle over water, panhandle oystermen struggle to survive
Florida accuses its northern neighbor — and particularly the fast-growing city of Atlanta — of drawing too much water from the rivers that feed Apalachicola Bay, causing its salinity to rise and driving down the oyster population. The oystermen have reason to be worried: U.S. Circuit Judge Paul Kelly of Santa Fe, a state water rights expert who was named a “special master” by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case, has recommended that the court side with Georgia. But the court can ignore his recommendation, if it’s swayed by Florida’s arguments. [Source: Reuters]
Florida utilities score poorly for energy efficiency
Florida’s biggest utilities are nearly the worst among their peers in the nation for helping customers reduce electricity use through efficiency steps such as better insulation and tighter doors and windows, according to new rankings. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has graded Florida Power & Light Co. and Duke Energy in Florida nearly at the bottom of the 52 largest U.S. utilities for promoting energy efficiency. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
As coronavirus menace unfolds, Florida CEOs watch and wait
Florida CEOs were asked: The coronavirus continues to add new cases worldwide. How has your business been affected by the epidemic? Claudia Busch, founding principal, Berenblum Busch Architects, says, "The uncertainty about the epidemic, how long it will last, how far it will spread and when it will be controlled, will likely result in some projects being temporarily put on hold." [Source: Miami Herald]
Question about whether it should be harder for citizens to amend Florida constitution will go to voters
Voters will get the chance in November to decide whether they should have to approve new amendments to Florida’s constitution twice in two separate elections rather than the single vote required now. If the initiative had been the rule in 2016, for example, then voters would have had to approve questions about legalizing medical marijuana and restoring ex-felons’ voting rights in two consecutive elections. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A home improvement program with few consumer protections is exploding in Florida
A decade ago, if a Floridian wanted extra cash to replace a roof, install solar panels or a brand new air conditioner, the most common choice was a bank loan. But for the last few years, homeowners also have had a controversial new option. Called the Property Assessed Clean Energy program or PACE for short, it allows homeowners to borrow tens of thousands of dollars for energy-efficient or hurricane-resistant improvements to their home with no money down and no credit check required. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Timeshare industry could save millions in Florida taxes under proposal
The timeshare industry could save millions of dollars in taxes under a mysterious property tax change that has been proposed in Tallahassee. The potential tax break — which has yet to be filed publicly even though the Florida Legislature is more than halfway through its 60-day session — would rewrite the rules that county property appraisers must follow when determining the value of timeshare resorts.
› The software company that advertises on Miami Heat uniform merging with another firm
Weston-based Ultimate Software, among the largest and most successful tech companies in South Florida, announced Thursday it planned to merge with Massachusetts-based Kronos to form a new cloud computing venture specializing in human resources software.
› Melbourne builds biggest baffle box east of Mississippi River to reduce lagoon pollution
Billed as the biggest nutrient-separating baffle box east of the Mississippi River, an underground stormwater structure will help prevent nitrogen, phosphorous and litter from contaminating the ailing Indian River Lagoon. Crews are constructing the Cliff Creek baffle box off the river side of U.S. 1 just south of Unity of Melbourne, a bit south of Lake Washington Road
› Bacardi USA donates $5 million to Florida International University
FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management has announced a $5 million gift from Bacardi USA dedicated to a new and unique educational program tailored for the spirits industry. The gift will create the Bacardi Center of Excellence, which will position the top-ranked school as a leader in beverage management education and partner with one of the world’s most historic and leading spirits companies.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
In case you missed it:
