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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
‘Constant stress’: Floridians struggle with unemployment overpayments
The state’s Department of Economic Opportunity is trying to claw back possibly billions of dollars in non-fraudulent unemployment claims distributed during the first 18 months of the pandemic. Thousands of Floridians have received stern letters warning them that they face being sent to collections if they don’t reimburse the state. So how many unemployment recipients, through no fault of their own, must now pay back previous “overpaid” benefits? The state doesn’t know. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Will a new model save the dying pro sport of jai alai?
The Casino@Dania Beach became the latest parimutuel in Florida to announce it was dropping jai alai, the iconic sport that once drew thousands to Florida frontons to wager. Professional jai alai, a kind of racquet ball played on a three-walled court in an eight-player round-robin parimutuel format, survives at Magic City Casino in Miami. Scott Savin, Magic City’s chief operating officer, says the pro sport’s future lies in head-to-head matches with online gamblers wagering on the outcome. [Source: Florida Trend]
Who helped Florida lawmakers write election law? Groups sue to find out.
Groups challenging the constitutionality of a new Florida elections law are asking a federal judge to force the conservative Heritage Foundation and its lobbying arm to turn over documents about the development of the law. The Florida State Conference of the NAACP, Common Cause and Disability Rights Florida filed an 18-page motion in federal court last week seeking to force the Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action for America to provide documents subpoenaed in the underlying challenge to the law (SB 90). [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida citrus farmers cautiously optimistic
The coming Florida citrus season is holding some promise. In the weeks to come, Florida's orange growers will get ready to harvest the first fruits of the season. Later this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will issue its first outlook for the 2021-22 season. The 2020-21 orange harvest topped out at 52.8 million boxes, down from 67.4 million boxes (one box equal to 90 pounds of fruit) in 2019-20. [Source: Fresh Plaza]
By the numbers: Florida manatee deaths approach morbid milestone
Florida’s record year for manatee deaths is approaching 1,000, according to data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. There have been 957 manatee mortalities reported through Sept. 24, with most of them coming from the beginning of this year. The largest cause of death for 2021 is listed as “non-necropsied,” meaning the deaths were confirmed, but no examination for a cause of death was done. Experts believe this unprecedented spike was brought on by pollution killing off the manatees’ food supply, causing starvation. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Concerts around Tampa Bay are getting canceled over COVID-19 demands
Going to a concert these days has put artists, venues and the audience in the middle of the COVID-19 debates about mask mandates, negative tests or proof of vaccination. The latest dust-up features indie-pop duo Tennis, which canceled its Oct. 22 show at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg after the venue refused to allow them to require a vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test for entry.
› Jacksonville's Wine Cellar restaurant to close after almost 50 years
After 47 years in business, the Wine Cellar restaurant on the Southbank announced it will close Oct. 16. The restaurant, at 1314 Prudential Drive, announced on winecellarjax.com that it has had offers throughout the years for its restaurant and property. “The right offer has now come at the right time,” it says. “We have treasured our time of sharing fine dining, wine and culture with our little corner of North Florida, but now it is time for the next generation to take up the mantle as we walk into retirement.”
› Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance names Brittany Lamont new president and CEO
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance has named Brittany Lamont as its new president and CEO. Lamont, who most recently served as the vice president of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will join the alliance in November, working alongside interim president Dan Sidler.
› Orlando to make bid for 2026 World Cup, World Pride events
2026 could be an explosive year for the City Beautiful. “As the mayor of Orlando, I’m going to stick around one more term so I will be here in 2026,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said. Orlando is bidding for the World Cup and World Pride in 2026. World Pride promotes LGBTQ pride.
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