Florida’s unemployment fix could cost $244 million
State officials are asking for up to $244 million over the next five years to overhaul the unemployment system that failed for millions Floridians during the pandemic last year. During a Monday hearing before state senators, Department of Economic Opportunity Director Dane Eagle said the online unemployment system, known as CONNECT, “did a disservice to the people of Florida.” He said the system wasn’t worth saving, comparing it to an iPhone purchased in 2013 that had hardly been updated. The solution, he told senators, was spending up to $73 million on a new system, plus $24 million in maintenance and $146 million over five years in additional costs brought on by the pandemic. More from the Tampa Bay Times, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and the Orlando Sentinel.
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» Florida officials seek to replace jobless benefits system yuk
The pandemic took a toll on Florida sunshine laws
As Gov. Ron DeSantis prepares to give his third State of the State speech on Tuesday when lawmakers convene for their annual 60-day session, many open government advocates say the state of Florida’s sunshine laws are darker this year because of the governor’s selective release of information and his attempt at times to actively shield critical details about the depths of the crisis from becoming public. More from the Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times.
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» Timeline: Florida’s dark year for the sunshine law
Homebuyers face stiff competition in South Florida as northerners arrive — with cash
As homebuyers jostle for a dwindling supply of houses in South Florida, local bidders are finding themselves in a growing competition with out-of-state people who are offering cash on the spot. Brokers are astounded by the increase in out-of-state inquiries pouring into their offices in Florida. They describe how local buyers have lost out to COVID-driven buyers from New York and other northern states. Many callers on the other end of the line have a pile of cash ready — often the fruit of higher-priced house sales in their hometowns. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Mass shootings surge in Florida as nation faces record high
Mass shootings in Florida increased to 34 in 2020 from 15 the year before, while nationally mass shootings jumped nearly 50% during a pandemic with crippling unemployment, violent protests and idle youth. In 2020, Florida reported 34 mass shootings that killed 26 and injured 133. A year earlier, the state had 15 mass shootings that killed 20 and injured 54. Among Florida's deadliest shootings last year was one Oct. 16 in Orlando that killed three and injured one. The state's bloodiest shootings included one Nov. 10 in Tampa that killed one and injured seven. [Source: Lakeland Ledger]
Vacancies block Florida board from meeting on land preservation grants
The five-seat Florida Communities Trust governing board has two vacancies, because Gov. Ron DeSantis has not appointed new members. Without the four members required for a quorum, the first-quarter meeting where the board normally votes on grants has not been scheduled, according to Shannon N. Herbon, public relations manager for Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which administers the program. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Whole Foods grocery store ‘in development’ in St. Petersburg
A Whole Foods grocery store is “in development” in St. Petersburg, according to a company spokesperson. Stop us if you’ve heard that one before. Rumors that the upscale and organic chain was eyeing locations in St. Petersburg go back at least as far as 2008, with one downtown site attracting lots of attention in 2012. Now, though, there actually appears to be some movement.
› L3Harris Technologies signs definitive agreements to sell its military training and combat propulsion systems businesses for $1.45 billion
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has signed definitive agreements to sell its Military Training business to CAE and its Combat Propulsion Systems and related businesses to RENK AG for a combined $1.45 billion. Each transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second half of 2021.
› Panama City native hosts bartender contest at the beach to launch global spirits brand
Panama City native Lucciano Berninzon has returned to Bay County to launch his global spirits brand, Cocalero, in Florida by hosting a cocktail competition in Panama City Beach featuring local bartenders on Tuesday. "I decided to open it up in the Panhandle where I grew up with beautiful beaches and great local talent," said Berninzon, a U.S. marketing partner to Intrepid Spirits.
› Tampa International Airport rated one of the most hygienic
The airport often rated tops for its size is now ranked as one of its most hygienic. Tampa International Airport was one of 33 airports across the globe, and one of only five in North American, to receive the inaugural best hygiene measures award from the Airports Council International. That’s the same organization that last year ranked Tampa International best of its size in North America.
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› Secretive eastern black rail added to Florida’s endangered species list
The state of Florida has added one of the most elusive wetland birds to its endangered and threatened species. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioners met Thursday and Friday online, adopting the eastern black rail bird to the list, in order to be consistent with federal protections. It is the size of a sparrow, found in marshy areas, and is described by Audubon as “extremely secretive.”
› New Universal Studios Store under construction at CityWalk
That construction in the middle of Universal CityWalk is, indeed, a new Universal Studios Store, the resort confirmed Friday afternoon. A major clue, beyond the months of rumors, was the recent addition of signs on the construction walls around the site. They read “Coming soon — Universal’s Premier Retail Experience.”
› Baltimore developer plans North Jacksonville industrial park
A development group proposes a five-building, 238,350-square-foot industrial project in North Jacksonville. The project is planned on 25.34 acres at northwest Imeson Park Boulevard and Zoo Parkway in Imeson International Industrial Park. The city is reviewing civil engineering project plans submitted Feb. 25.
› ZooTampa to open new exhibits, experiences this spring
ZooTampa at Lowry Park will soon open new animal habitats — including one for a family of Asian bearcats that have a distinctive scent that resembles buttered popcorn — as well as a newly designed safari experience and a music event. Though they didn’t give an exact date, the zoo said in a Monday announcement that this spring it will unveil new habitats with rare and unique species and a safari experience, “aimed at the goal of connecting guests with amazing wildlife.”