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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Hurricane 2020: Seven things to know about a hurricane season like no other
That double-disaster scenario is upon us: Florida must prepare for a hurricane strike during a deadly pandemic. COVID-19 changes everything about storm season: How families and communities will prepare; how residents will evacuate and shelter; and how we’ll deal with the aftermath. And there’s a third disaster that affects the other two: the economic crisis. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida Trend Exclusive
A makeover for Port Canaveral
Since it was built in the 1950s, Port Canaveral has evolved from a small fishing and oil port to the second-largest cruise port in the world. It continues to grow. Last year, the port broke ground on Cruise Terminal 3, a $163-million complex to include a 188,000-sq.-ft. building and a parking garage that can accommodate up to 1,800 vehicles. It will serve as the home port for the Mardi Gras, a 6,600-passenger XL class cruise ship that will be the largest in the Carnival Cruise Lines’ fleet when it’s delivered in November. [Source: Florida Trend]
Ron DeSantis announces two more appointments to the Florida Supreme Court
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday he has made his picks for the two vacancies on the Florida Supreme Court: Renatha Francis and John Couriel. Francis, a judge for the 15th Judicial Circuit Court, was born in Jamaica — the first Caribbean-American to serve on Florida’s highest court, DeSantis noted. She won’t be able to take her seat on the bench until September. More from the Tampa Bay Times, the Miami Herald, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
‘Murder hornets’ aren’t attacking Florida honeybees, but state is on the lookout for them
A large, “murder hornet” destroying a bee colony is the stuff of nightmares for beekeeper Keith Seifert Jr. But even though the Asian giant hornet has gained national headlines with its notorious moniker and a reputation for hunting honeybees, it has not been found in Florida yet or terrorized the state’s already besieged beekeepers. “I would like people to understand we have far greater problems with the honeybees right now,” said Seifert, who owns Sweet Bee Honey Farm in Sorrento. [Source: Orlando Sentiel]
Central Florida economy expected to take hit from Brazil travel ban
Flights from Brazil to Orlando and the rest of the nation are on hold after President Donald Trump suspended travel from the country in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In Central Florida, the economy is expected to take a hit. In the last few years, Central Florida has seen a large influx of people from Brazil move to the region. There has also been an increase in the amount of Brazilian-owned and themed restaurants and businesses in the area. [Source: Spectrum News 13]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Walt Disney World and SeaWorld to present reopening plans to Orange County task force Wednesday
Walt Disney World and SeaWorld will present reopening plans to an Orange County task force Wednesday morning, the first step before both theme park giants can welcome back tourists. Orange Mayor Jerry Demings confirmed during a Tuesday afternoon briefing that he saw a preview of plans from both companies and called the anticipated presentations “good news” after Orlando’s biggest tourist draws, led by Disney, shut themselves down 10 weeks ago to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
› Miami plans to freeze hiring, postpone projects
Miami’s city government is proposing a nearly citywide hiring freeze, postponing asphalt repairs at the Miami Marine Stadium and trimming budgets across all municipal departments to address a projected $19 million shortfall amid the economic downturn in the COVID-19 pandemic.
› Sets from ‘Friends’ and ‘That ’70s Show’ coming to Orlando
If you’ve ever dreamed of hanging out in Eric’s basement from “That ’70s Show” or visiting Monica’s pristine New York City apartment from “Friends,” now’s your chance. Fourth Wall Sets is bringing Monica’s apartment and Eric’s basement to Orlando starting July 4, and visitors can get a private tour of these two sets that are recreated to scale.
› Palm Beach County bars, clubs and entertainment venues wait for their turn to reopen
Owners of bars and nightclubs, such as the Pawn Shop club in downtown West Palm and Rudy’s Stand-Up Saloon in Lake Worth Beach are uncertain when they will reopen but are planning adjustments to meet social distancing requirements.
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