Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/2/2020

Coronavirus fallout affects Florida tech firm supply chains

A coronavirus outbreak that slowed work in China also has harmed the supply chains relied on by Florida tech companies. The outbreak originated in China — Florida's biggest trade partner — which has the world's biggest export economy. Each year, Florida imports roughly $12.2 billion in goods from China, and exports $1.4 billion worth there, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. More from the Orlando Business Journal.

The end of an era in Florida: Dog racing

Florida has been going to the dogs for decades. Very soon, such behavior will stop. More than 5.3 million Floridians voted two years ago to ban greyhound dog racing, effective at the end of 2020. Several years ago 11 dog race tracks operated in Florida. With the deadline fast approaching, only a few remain, and those are now considering their options. More from the Blade.

Jacksonville business stirs up a biodegradable straw

A Jacksonville manufacturing facility is at the forefront of a stirring debate that even has the president chiming in — plastic straws. WinCup Inc. is producing hundreds of thousands of straws and stir sticks that are designed to be biodegradable within six months of their use. More from the Florida Times-Union.

The battle for Wynwood: Miami’s hippest neighborhood has an identity crisis

Miami's Wynwood district is experiencing growing pains as the arts and entertainment neighborhood evolves. As new residents, office workers and businesses move in, complaints about noise, loud music, large crowds and temporary vendors are escalating. More from the Miami Herald.

Climate change no longer dirty words for Florida’s GOP, but how green will Trump go?

Florida’s Republican leadership quickly shifted its climate convictions under Gov. Ron DeSantis with multiple bills this year uttering what were once dirty words in Tallahassee. But the nascent embrace of a planet-friendly climate doctrine puts them at odds with President Donald Trump, who needs Florida’s 29 electoral votes come November. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Event
A survival guide to Epcot’s flower and garden fest

Disney World is primping and pruning for the 2020 edition of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs daily from March 4 through June 1. Here’s a survival guide to the event, including what’s new among the topiary lineup, the fates of Orange Bird and Spike the Bee, how plants are molding the outdoor kitchen menus and how to get through the (current) maze of the theme park’s construction walls.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Out of the Box
The scientist making Florida strawberries bigger, sweeter and sometimes grape-flavored

Strawberry FL 16.78-109 is a ghost, materializing and disappearing from random store shelves, unannounced, unexpected and, frankly, a little startling. The flesh is a spectral white, even when it’s ready to eat. Only its tiny seeds turn red, with the slightest pink blush signaling ripeness. There was a sighting at an Aldi in Sun City Center recently.