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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Job search requirement resumes for Florida unemployment claims
The clock is ticking for anyone collecting unemployment: soon you’ll be required to search for work to keep your benefits. And while businesses say they’re struggling to hire because no one wants to work, in reality, unemployed people say the job market isn’t as great as it seems. Many people say it’s a lose-lose situation. More from WINK Newsand NBC-2.
As pandemic wanes, Florida’s DeSantis seizes national stage
As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis struggled to contain the coronavirus pandemic, Democrats readied to pounce. The state’s economy was in tatters, infections and deaths were on the rise and there were doubts about the Republican’s plan to lead Florida out of crisis. Now that the pandemic appears to be waning and DeSantis is heading into his reelection campaign next year, he has emerged from the political uncertainty as one of the most prominent Republican governors and an early White House front-runner in 2024 among Donald Trump’s acolytes, if the former president doesn’t run again. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Manatees are dying in droves this year. The die-offs could spell trouble for Florida
Despite their portly frame and inherent meekness, Florida's manatees are survivors. When power plants began popping up along Florida's East and West coasts, manatees learned to follow the flow of the unseasonably warm water. When boats with sharp motors increasingly flooded their habitats, they learned how to live with debilitating injuries, or tried to. And when their favorite source of food began to disappear when toxic algae infested the water, they learned to eat less, often at the cost of their health. Their gentle nature belies a deceptive resilience. Unathletic as they may seem -- they tip the scales at around half a ton -- they're built to endure. But how much more can one species take? [Source: CNN]
Battle for the seas: Cruise lines prepare to sail, but clash with DeSantis looms
The restart of cruising in Florida could have been smooth sailing. After a suspension lasting more than a year, all of the major cruise lines could have been gearing up for voyages out of Florida ports this summer with 95% vaccinated passengers and crew. Instead, uncertainty reigns, thanks to DeSantis’ decision to file a lawsuit challenging the CDC’s authority to dictate how and whether cruise ships can operate in the state. The two sides have been ordered into mediation, but legal experts say the dispute could linger long past the summer. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida toll roads announce partnership with E-ZPass, used in 18 states
Florida’s tolling authority is offering a new transponder compatible with the E-ZPass toll system used in 19 states on the east coast, including New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The new transponder, called SunPass PRO, will allow Florida drivers to use one device to process tolls all the way to Maine and as far west as Illinois. Current SunPass transponders are only accepted in Georgia and North Carolina. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› As hurricane season approaches, FPL urges Floridians to prepare
Florida Power and Light Company is preparing for another potentially active hurricane season, and is urging Floridians to prepare too. The Juno Beach power utility company has prepared for the upcoming season by completing an annual intensive weeklong drill involving more than 3,000 employees in May. This year’s “dry run” tested employee response to a simulated two-landfall hurricane with Gulf Power, which serves Northwest Florida and is part of FPL. The pair worked together on four named storms last year.
› PPP loans help local community bank get named top in Florida
American Banker magazine named First Citrus Bank Bancorporation the top performing community bank in Florida, based in part on the strength of its handling of PPP loans. The magazine based its rankings on the three-year return of average equity of publicly traded community banks, according to a statement from the bank. Tampa-based First Citrus was aided by its performance administering loans through the Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program.
› Melbourne airport changes name after settling fight with Orlando airport
The Orlando Melbourne International Airport changed its name Friday, settling a yearslong fight with the larger Orlando International Airport over using the term “Orlando” in its branding. It will now be known as the Melbourne Orlando International Airport after a resolution between its operator, the Melbourne Airport Authority, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which governs MCO.
› St. Petersburg business leaders urge Kriseman to keep working with Rays
City business leaders sent a letter to Mayor Rick Kriseman imploring him to resume working with the Tampa Bay Rays on a stadium deal that would keep the team in the Sunshine City — despite the legal battle between a group of the team’s minority owners and principal owner Stu Sternberg.
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