March 29, 2024

Friday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 6/19/2020

As Florida’s insurance market darkens, companies use ‘trade secret’ to keep data hidden

As profitability of Florida property insurers declines, companies are increasingly blocking information they’d rather competitors — and the public — not see. State insurance laws allow companies to designate as “trade secret” any information they assert could put them at a competitive disadvantage if disclosed. The onus then falls on a member of the public to challenge whether that designation is allowed under state law — a potentially expensive prospect that could require lawyers and court hearings. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Florida shatters daily record with 3,207 new coronavirus cases

Florida added another 3,207 coronavirus cases Thursday, shattering the previous daily record as the state emerges as an alarming hot spot among places grappling with a resurgence of the disease. Thursday’s new record topped the 2,783 cases reported just two days earlier by the Florida Department of Health, which had been the third record-setting total in less than a week. There now have been 85,926 coronavirus cases reported in Florida since the outbreak began and 3,061 deaths. The state reported 43 additional COVID-19 deaths Thursday. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the AP, and the Tampa Bay Times.

Dust from the Sahara Desert is putting a pause on hurricane activity

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season had one of the most active starts in history, with three named storms forming by June 1 for the first time ever. But the tropics have been quiet ever since. You can thank dust from the Sahara Desert for that. A massive dust storm that’s been moving west from central Africa is creating a pocket of dry air. That dry air is slowing down tropical activity as it passes through the Atlantic Ocean, and it could last for the next couple of weeks. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Carnival Corp. reports second quarter losses, will shed 6 ships in next three months

Carnival Corporation reported second quarter revenues of $700 million, down from $4.8 billion last year, as cruising remains banned in the U.S. amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In a financial filing Thursday, the company said it saw an adjusted net loss of $2.4 billion, or $3.30 earnings per share, during the second quarter. The company will be divesting of six of its ships in the next 90 days to shrink capacity as it burns through around $650 million per month. [Source: Miami Herald]

New research team aims to increase blackberry yields in Florida

Blackberries ripen in Florida in May and June, so it’s an ideal time to be thinking about how to grow more of them. Those who produce blackberries in Florida want to increase their yield, and UF/IFAS faculty want to help farmers boost their output. Unfortunately, a UF/IFAS team also knows that those who grow blackberries face barriers in the market. Like all crops in Florida, blackberries can grow better if they improve their tolerance to the heat, humidity and wet climate of the state. [Source: UF | IFAS]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› In shift, Florida Keys now requiring face masks until June 2021
Visitors to the Florida Keys will need to bring along face masks or face a $500 civil fine. In a Wednesday vote, the Monroe County Commission shifted from an earlier stance on face coverings, and now requires everyone including employees and customers to wear face coverings in any establishment.

› Ready to get back in a movie theater? These cinemas are opening in Miami-Dade and Broward
Popcorn won’t be popping at mainstream movie theaters until July, but some independent cinemas are turning on their projectors and opening their doors soon. Miami-Dade and Broward counties have issued emergency orders that have allowed for the reopening of movie theaters if they submit a plan. That’s the same process for casinos, museums and arcades, some of which have already opened.

› Misfits Gaming represents Florida with variety of teams on global esports stage
For two over months, the schedule for sporting events has remained mostly blank. But while COVID-19 has put a halt to athletes on the fields and courts, esports has sprung to the forefront of the entertainment industry. Esports, a label that refers to digital video-game competitions, includes popular global games such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, League of Legends, Overwatch, and many others. And organizations such as Misfits Gaming Group, which includes The Florida Mayhem, an Overwatch team, and the Florida Mutineers, a Call of Duty team, are helping to lead that charge.

› Southwest Florida Black business owners see outpouring of support after George Floyd protests
In the wake of the high-profile death of George Floyd, some Black-owned businesses in Southwest Florida have seen an outpouring of love and support from locals. In recent times, not only have Black business owners been thrashed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but they've also had to contend with the emotional turmoil that comes with witnessing the infamous video of Floyd's last moments.

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