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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
› Environmental groups say Piney Point wastewater has 10 times more nitrogen than raw sewage
A pair of environmental groups accused the state Department of Environmental Protection of oversight failures involving the old Piney Point fertilizer plant that contributed to the facility's recent dumping of polluted wastewater, which the groups say has 10 times more algae-feeding nitrogen than raw sewage. The joint statement by Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper says "the current failure at the Piney Point facility owned by HRK was preventable" and alleges that DEP "knew of the failures of the liner not only at Piney Point but other phosphogypsum stacks."
› Hurricane protection firm, after passing $70M in sales, finds buyer
Maryland private equity firm Rotunda Capital Partners has acquired a controlling interest in Storm Smart, one of the largest hurricane, storm and home protection companies in Florida. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Storm Smart, according to a statement, has worked with more than 80,000 homeowners since it was founded in 1996.
› Disney says it’s okay to take a mask-free selfie again
Walt Disney World has been one of the most strict businesses when it comes to masks and distancing, but a new change in policy starting Thursday will allow guests to temporarily remove face masks for outdoor photos. When Disney World reopened last July, it soon after amended its face mask policy to ban neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings with valves. Soon after that, it also made clear that face masks can only be removed when actively eating and drinking.
› Sugars Gallery opens at Kissimmee’s Old Town
A shop offering cupcakes, cakes and sweets has joined Kissimmee’s Old Town entertainment district. Sugars Gallery opened inside a 1,000-square-foot space at 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. “In my new location I can run my shop with custom cakes, desserts, and more or offer to order online with delivery service,” owner Sully Castro said in a news release. Old Town was built in 1986 and features shops, restaurants, bars and rides.
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