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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida will only gain 1 seat in Congress in 2022, not the expected 2, Census Bureau says
The lower-than-expected apportionment comes after months of concern that the Trump administration’s early census deadlines, thwarted attempts to add a citizenship question and the COVID-19 pandemic might have caused a major undercount of Florida’s population. The biggest questions now will be just where in the state the Republican-controlled Legislature will add the new district, as well as how aggressive they are in drawing the lines to go after potentially vulnerable Democrats such U.S. Rep Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the AP.
Oh the places we’ll go: Simple pleasures Floridians can’t wait to reclaim
After over a year of pandemic living, widespread vaccine distribution across Florida inspires hope. There’s so much to look forward to. While some people are already planning reunion parties, dreaming of summer holidays and booking plane tickets for later this year, this next chapter also marks the return of many small-but-satisfying moments. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Legislature close to a major remodeling of auto insurance with end to ‘no-fault’
Lawmakers continue speeding ahead with an overhaul of Florida’s automobile insurance laws. With no debate, the Florida House voted 99-11 on Monday to repeal Florida’s “no-fault” laws and require every motorist to carry bodily injury coverage, a move that could lower rates for some while raising rates for others. The biggest changes to the state’s automobile insurance laws in nearly 50 years could be just a Senate vote away from making it to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk. The Senate passed its own version of the bill, with slight differences, two weeks ago. It would take effect Jan. 1, 2022. [Source: Miami Herald]
The salmon you buy in the future may be farmed on land in Florida
In a series of indoor tanks 40 miles south west of Miami, Florida, five million fish are swimming in circles a very long way from home. The fish in question are Atlantic salmon, which are far more typically found in the cold waters of Norway's fjords or Scotland's lochs. As the species is not native to Florida, and would be unable to cope with the state's tropical heat, the water tanks are kept well chilled, and housed in a vast, air-conditioned and heavily insulated warehouse-like building. [Source: BBC News]
It fell from the sky: Floridians must call police for found rocket debris
A warning to Floridians: If a piece of the latest SpaceX rocket falls into your yard, call the police — or else. Under a bill passed by lawmakers Monday, Floridians would face charges for not turning over parts of rockets or other manmade space debris that fall onto their property or wash up on their beach. If you find an object that “reasonably” looks like a space part on your lawn and don’t report it to police, you could be subject to a new first-degree misdemeanor and up to a $1,000 fine, plus restitution to the owner of the part. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› New Mote shark research director led international shark survey
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium announced the hiring of Dr. Demian Chapman as senior scientist and the new director of the Center for Shark Research at Mote. Chapman, who is succeeding Dr. Robert Hueter as manager for the Sharks & Rays Conservation Research Program, also will hold the title of Perry W. Gilbert Chair in Shark Research.
› On Tierra Verde, the ‘Auto Trader’ compound is for sale
Stuart Arnold liked cars. He liked them so much that in 1973 he started a unique publication called Auto Trader, full of ads with photos that made it easier to buy and sell cars. But as that original 15-cent magazine grew into Traders for boats, planes, motorcycles and bargains of all sort, netting Arnold a fortune, he was able to indulge another passion: yachting. He began buying waterfront lots on then lightly developed Tierra Verde so he would have a place to park his sumptuous vessels — including one floated by barge from Italy — and host what became legendary onboard parties.
› Florida House approves sales tax holidays, including ‘freedom week'
Without comment, the House on Friday backed a tax package that would lead to holding sales-tax “holidays” on back-to-school supplies and hurricane gear and a “freedom week” related to entertainment and outdoor activities. The House voted 109-3 to approve the package (HB 7061), which would cut revenue by at least $61.5 million next fiscal year. It also would address several policy issues, such as repealing an unused pool of state money approved in 2014 to help build and renovate professional sports stadiums.
› Music industry manufacturer seeks to regain pre-pandemic gust of growth
Bari Woodwinds manufactures woodwind instrument mouthpieces made from hard rubber and metal, in addition to a line of synthetic reeds. Its products are used for B-flat clarinets, bass clarinets and the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone. Business partners Ron Van Ostenbridge and Gary Spears have worked together at the firm since 2004, when it was part of a larger instrument accessories business run by the Cavanaugh family in Sarasota.
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