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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Hurricane 2021: Florida may not be spared this storm season
Florida escaped the record-breaking 2020 storm season without a single hurricane making landfall along its 1,350 miles of coastline. That luck has some scientists particularly worried about the 2021 season, however. Though it’s expected to be a far cry from the record 30 named storms that formed last year, Colorado State University predicts there will be 17 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes in 2021. Lead hurricane researcher Philip Klotzbach fears some Floridians won’t prepare as usual for this year’s storms after dodging so many in 2020. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Price of Paradise: Why are home insurance rates suddenly increasing in Florida?
By now you may have already learned that 50,000 homeowner insurance policies are getting dropped across the state by three insurance companies. This is happening as an industry is spiraling to stay afloat. South Florida and Treasure Coast homeowners are seeing their premium rates increase by 20 percent or more. In some cases, rates have doubled. So, what is the state of property insurance in Florida, and how did we get here? More from WPTV.
Florida avocados face challenges with hot real estate market, disease pressure
Florida avocado growers have seen supply waiver with hot demand for South Florida real estate and from disease pressure. Shipments of Florida avocados totaled 36 million pounds in 2020, down 19% compared with 44.5 million pounds in 2019 and off 34% compared with 54.4 million pounds in 2015. More from the Packer.
South Florida counties receiving $189 million more for rental assistance
More federal assistance money has been approved for renters and landlords in South Florida even as counties struggle to distribute the $165 million they received in January. Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties will receive another $189 million to help prevent eviction of tenants affected by the pandemic. But documentation requirements have been loosened for this latest round of funding, prompting advocates for low-income renters to hope money can be distributed more quickly. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Tourism making a comeback in Tampa and across the country
As we head into what is expected to be a very busy summer travel season, the tourism industry is on the rebound in the US and especially in the Tampa Bay area. Travelers are eager to make up vacations they’ve missed last year. Economists say tourism is almost back to normal. During his presentation at a tourism summit in Tampa, economist Adam Sacks, said 89% of travelers say they have plans to travel in the next six months. More from the WFTS.
Entertainment
Ultra Music Festival reaches agreement with downtown neighbors after years of fights
There may be a peace treaty in the long-standing war between Ultra Music Festival and the downtown Miami condo dwellers who have strongly opposed the electronic dance music event for years. Festival organizers announced on Tuesday an agreement to settle tensions with the Downtown Neighbors Alliance, or DNA, an association representing 13 downtown condominium towers. Now, a loud and organized group of residents who have contributed to some of Ultra’s biggest problems will no longer seek to kick the event out of Bayfront Park, according to DNA President James Torres.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Profile
This Tampa Bay Realtor hosts a cooking show in the homes she’s selling
Tina Newby became a Realtor three years ago after previously working in information technology and being a stay-at-home-mom. But she’s already built up a unique brand through her creative way of showcasing the homes she’s selling: She hosts a cooking show inside the kitchens, and posts the videos to her Realtor Can Cook Facebook page.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
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