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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida to seek $945 million from federal government to boost Medicaid
Florida plans on tapping into $945 million in additional federal health-care dollars made available by President Joe Biden’s administration to enhance access to home- and community-based health-care services for poor, disabled and elderly people. State Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, said Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is poised to send a proposal to the federal government that would allow the state to draw down a 10 percentage-point increase in federal Medicaid funds. The increased federal funds were included in the American Rescue Plan Act, a stimulus package signed by Biden in March. More from the News Service of Florida.
Red tide continues and conditions are ripe to get worse
As Tropical Storm Elsa pushed the decomposing bodies of several tons of pungent fish ashore in Tampa Bay, officials fear a worsening red tide bloom could also spread down to Sarasota and Manatee. Mote Marine beach ambassadors reported respiratory irritation and “many” dead fish over the weekend at Siesta Key, Longboat Key and Coquina Beach. While local water samples are still being processed, the reports could be a sign of red tide in the area, Mote spokeswoman Stephannie Kettle said. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida Realtors ballot initiative raises ire of state leaders
Florida Realtors have launched a major political campaign to get a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot next year. It’s designed to prevent future legislatures from raiding a state housing trust fund for other expenses. The effort is already highly controversial with the state’s political leaders. The Realtors have quickly raised 13 million dollars in support of a 2022 ballot proposal to protect housing dollars from future sweeps or "raids" by the Florida Legislature. But the likely next Senate president is furious about it. More from WFSU.
Mecum Auctions coming to Orlando for summer special with 1,000 collector cars
An estimated 1,000 collector cars will come rolling into Orlando this month as Mecum Auctions returns for a summer special event at Orange County Convention Center. Vintage muscle cars, antique trucks and modern supercars comprise the pristine and rare consignments bidders have the chance to own at the auction July 28-31. In addition, visitors can find motorcycles, tractors and road art on the auction block. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Carnival Cruise Line adds $150 testing fee, travel insurance requirement for unvaccinated guests
Carnival Cruise Line is navigating Florida’s vaccine passport law by adjusting its stance on allowing unvaccinated guests on sailings, but is now requiring they both pay $150 for COVID-19 testing and pay for travel insurance. “We know that this puts an expense on the cruise that you probably didn’t account for when you booked the cruise, but we have to keep everybody safe,” said Carnival brand ambassador John Heald. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Business Profile
Rent the runway, Tampa Bay? There’s an earthier version in Seminole Heights
Valhalla is an unusual clothing shop tucked between an antique store and a Health Mutt pet supply on Central Avenue in the funky, historic Tampa neighborhood of Seminole Heights. There, for $39 a month, members get what’s advertised as a “limitless closet,” borrowing from something like 6,000 used clothing items from T-shirts to kicky dresses to work-wear.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Out of the Box
Gainesville artisan builds fully functional electric guitars out of glass
In a small outdoor shed with handmade wooden shelves and just enough room to both store materials and craft them, Alex Morningstar creates fully functional electric guitars out of glass. Morningstar is a small, independent creator in the local music and art community and is coming up on the first anniversary of starting his own business.
» Read more from the Gainesville Sun.
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