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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida coronavirus surge continues with more than 2,000 new infections reported Sunday
The state’s total since the beginning of the pandemic is now 75,568, the Department of Health said. It’s the second consecutive day of 2,000-plus cases and the 12th day with more than 1,000 cases. Of the new coronavirus cases over the previous 24 hours, 739 are in South Florida. Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties have a total number of 39,678 positive tests, according to Health Department reports. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Accrediting agency approves University of South Florida consolidation
The University of South Florida’s plan to consolidate its three campuses was approved by the executive council of the regional accrediting agency that oversees higher education in the southern United States. The decision by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges authorizes a single accreditation for the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota campuses and allows USF to comply with a Florida law passed in 2018 and amended in 2019 that mandates consolidation effective July 1, 2020. “Today marks an historic milestone for our university,” USF President Steven Currall said. [Source: USF]
Florida Trend Exclusive
RGF creates sustainability through cleanliness
RGF makes more than 500 products to clean air, water and food, but COVID-19 is keeping it busy at the moment. Based in Riviera Beach, RGF makes more than 500 products that clean air, water and food for industry and homeowners. There’s a sneeze simulator in its R&D tool box. The company’s products protect against bacteria, viruses, odors and mold. It also makes lights for growhouses, plug-in room purifiers for travelers and sonic pest deterrents. It exports to 60 countries. More from Florida Trend.
Cannabis experts say business is booming in Florida
The COVID-19 pandemic has put many people in a state of high stress, either from the virus itself, or unemployment and paying bills. "For somebody who's locked up going stir crazy, it's a great way to chill and mellow out," said Dr. Robert Brueck at Emerald Medical Center. Since January, nearly 50,000 Florida residents got a medical marijuana card. Currently, 345,273 people in the state have a medical marijuana card, which is 100,000 more than June of 2019. "I think people now realize that it's not a curse, that it has tremendous potential," said Brueck. [Source: WCJB]
Raising the Bar on New Student Housing
Student housing has grown from merely on-campus living and has become an integral part of the entire collegiate experience. There has been a considerable shift in the importance of technological capabilities of living spaces with an increased focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Student housing can sometimes be the deciding factor of where students decide to go to college. [Source: FINFROCK]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Inside the innovative first development from Belmont Village, Baptist Health
A new project from Belmont Village and Baptist Health South Florida is set to blend health care and hospitality for older adults in the Sunshine State. And, it could be the first concrete step in a fruitful partnership between the two organizations.
› What’s the Magic Kingdom’s worth? Disney World is suing over its property taxes — again
In what’s become an annual event, Disney is suing Property Appraiser Rick Singh over its property taxes, arguing the 2019 appraisals are too high. For years, Disney and Singh have clashed on the property assessments, and dozens of courts cases are still pending after Disney has sued Singh every spring dating back to 2016.
› Florida tells residents to humanely kill these invasive, toxic toads that are lethal to pets
The milky white toxin from a cane toad can kill a dog in 15 minutes. Florida encourages residents to kill the toads whenever possible. A species of warty, toxic toads is invading Florida backyards as it multiplies across the southern part of the state.
› Florida's college athletes will be able to sign endorsements and make money next summer
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed that new bill late Friday afternoon that would allow college athletes in the state to make money from endorsements starting next summer. The college sports industry generates billions of dollars through the NCAA each year, and this creates opportunities for the athletes to benefit from it.
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