SHARE:
Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Gov. Ron DeSantis issues statewide stay home order due to coronavirus
After days of mounting pressure as the coronavirus spreads in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis Wednesday issued an executive order asking people to stay at home across the state. DeSantis says under the order, people are only permitted to leave the home for essential services or activities. Across Florida, the state health department reports nearly 7,000 cases of COVID-19 as of noon Wednesday, with more than 900 people hospitalized and 87 deaths. More from WCTV, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and the Miami Herald.
Florida wildfire threat and drought increasing from a record hot, dry March
Florida seared through what could be a record dry and hot March, and that combination is raising the threat of wildfires and drought heading into the heart of the state's dry season. From late October through early May, the state typically doesn't receive the type of daily downpours that have soaked many a summer afternoon at the beach or theme parks. Even though March is in the heart of this drier time of the year, parts of Florida are threatening records with virtually no rain all month. More from the Weather Channel.
See also:
» Where’d the rain go? March was as dry as it’s ever been in Tampa Bay.
Winter Park scraps controversial Orange Avenue Overlay District weeks after approval
Winter Park commissioners voted to toss out a contentious plan that could remake a crucial corridor of Orange Avenue through the heart of the historic city with new, taller buildings. The plan known as the Orange Avenue Overlay District was approved March 9 before the election of two new commissioners to the board. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
$5 billion Miami International Airport upgrade bonds head to vote
Miami International Airport’s (MIA) $5 billion capital improvement work is already underway, and after several delays, OK of bonds to fund the 15-year job may finally take flight. Lawmakers last year OK’d the program to overhaul Miami-Dade’s greatest economic engine through five sub-programs at the North, South and Central terminals, cargo facilities and a mix of other upgrades, including up to two new on-site hotels. More from Miami Today.
Gainesville business owners feel sting of slowed economy
Lilly Kline isn’t affiliated with the University of Florida, but the day the large institution at the heart of Gainesville shut its doors a few weeks ago, she became worried for the future of her two clothing retail stores. “We were open for three days after the school closed with no business at all,” Kline said. “I lost my employees, and also the students are my customers.” More from the Gainesville Sun.
Arts Business
Miami-Dade puts 60 free arts sites on display via web
Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs’ Culture Shock Miami has launched a virtual listing of online arts programming called 
“Online Experiences.” As cultural organizations are finding innovative ways to share content and services on their websites, Online Experiences, which initially launched March 23, is making it easier for audiences to access Miami-Dade County’s art services by creating a one-stop webpage list of available resources, free of charge.
» More from Miami Today.
Business Profile
North Florida Pharmacy
For 13 years, North Florida Pharmacy hasn't given up on their customers – and even in the face of an augmenting pandemic, their commitment remains steadfast. The rural-based pharmaceutical company set up shop in downtown Madison in 2007, after serving North Florida since 1993. Uniquely, Madison's North Florida Pharmacy is the only pharmacy in the county to offer delivery, which is coming in handy at this moment in time.
» Read more from Greene Publishing.
In case you missed it:
