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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Cruise industry bailout? Maybe, say Florida leaders, but with hefty conditions
Keeping cruise lines afloat may appeal to the tens of thousands of Floridians who rely either directly or indirectly on the cruise industry for work, but not all lawmakers are happy with the idea of a bailout. The decision could have tremendous implications for the Sunshine State’s ability to bounce back from the coronavirus-induced economic meltdown that has left an estimated 1 million Floridians, many in the hospitality sector, unemployed. More from the Lakeland Ledger.
NASA: Florida’s air quality improves significantly during pandemic
Major Florida cities are enjoying improved air quality during the coronavirus pandemic. According to NASA, the state has seen has seen significant reductions in air pollution over many of its major metropolitan areas, such as Miami and Orlando. Satellite data shows nitrogen dioxide levels were about 30-35% lower over Orlando and Miami, and about 40% lower over Jacksonville. More from WFLA.
The Keys can reopen a little starting Monday. But without tourists, is it worth it?
The Florida Keys on Monday will allow restaurant dining rooms and retail stores to reopen at 25 percent capacity and under social distance rules under the governor’s order. But in Key West, where the almighty dollar comes from a couple of million tourists who visit each year, can business owners survive on only the locals? And many of those locals are out of work, still waiting on their first unemployment check, and have rent due Friday. More from the Miami Herald.
Virtual karate in Bradenton is a hit with students
You might not be able to get punched through a computer screen, but it turns out you can still kick it with karate during a global pandemic. Virtually, that is. Kevin Bergquist, who grew up on Anna Maria Island, started training martial arts at 5. Now, as a longtime karate instructor, he is helping students in Manatee County find an outlet during quarantine. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Higher tides mean an early mosquito season for South Florida
Miami-Dade County’s mosquito control division received a surge in complaints in April after a high spring tide flooded marshes, hatching swarms of vicious marsh mosquitos. The season usually coincides with spring rains, but mosquito director Bill Petrie said the flooding activated eggs that can sit dormant in swamps and mangrove mud for months. More from WGCU.
Out of the Box
As Florida beaches open, this lawyer will visit them dressed as the Grim Reaper
The Florida Grim Reaper Tour may be coming to a beach near you. To protest people packing the sands, a Santa Rosa Beach lawyer is taking action and hitting the road. Daniel Uhlfelder, who is originally from Miami, will dress as the Grim Reaper starting Friday, he announced on Twitter. The creepy getup may appear as if Halloween has come early. But it’s really meant to scare people away.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Dining
Food blogger starts product line for Florida retailer
People have been spending more time at home during the coronavirus crisis, and for some, that’s meant a lot more cooking and baking. Alexis Beall Taylor is seizing on the trend with a new video series on YouTube she’s making with her three children called Key Lime Kids. The videos teach children cooking skills and how to use those skills in a recipe.
» Read more from the Business Observer.
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