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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
As more Floridians go back to work, issues remain with the state's unemployment assistance system
The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) says of the jobs initially lost during the pandemic, nearly 80% have been recovered. In addition, agency Deputy Secretary Adrienne Johnston says there are more people in the labor force now than in February of last year. "Over the last five months, Florida's labor force has grown by 373,000, showing the success of the state's return to work initiative as more Floridians are returning to work," Johnston says. More from WUSF.
Florida Trend Exclusive
A hedge fund is seeking to split Duke Energy into three companies
Elliott Management, a $41-billion hedge fund, wrote the Duke Energy board in May urging the company to split into three separate entities — one for Florida, one for the Carolinas and one for the Midwest. Such a breakup would improve operational focus and help boost the company’s performance, according to the fund. More from Florida Trend.
Now hiring: Amazon looking for 10,500 Florida workers for $15-an-hour seasonal jobs
Amazon announced Monday it has begun hiring for 10,500 seasonal jobs in Florida. The e-commerce giant’s website shows current available positions in South Florida start at $15 per hour and top out at $17.50. The seasonal roles come in addition to the 8,000 full- and part-time operations jobs the company had previously announced for Florida this year. More from the Miami Herald.
Red tide reemerges in Southwest Florida
Red tide is reappearing in Southwest Florida. Some beaches have even seen dead fish lining the shores. While red tide conditions look better than they have in previous years, those who work on the water say they’re keeping a watchful eye. More from WINK News.
Judge tosses lawsuit challenging Seminole gambling deal
Dealing a win to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe, a federal judge on Monday dismissed a lawsuit challenging a gambling agreement that allows the tribe to have control over sports betting in Florida. Owners of the pari-mutuels Magic City Casino in Miami-Dade County and Bonita Springs Poker Room in Southwest Florida filed the lawsuit in July, after lawmakers approved the wide-ranging gambling deal between the state and the tribe. More from the News Service of Florida.
Tech Trends
Florida set to launch access to digital driver's licenses
Access to your Florida driver's license could soon just be a few taps away. The state says it's working to launch the Florida Smart ID on the App Store and Google Play by mid-November. It'll allow drivers to verify and carry a digital version of their identification. It's reportedly live but not yet ready for the public.
Innovation
Ocala Wetland Recharge Park
The 60-acre Ocala Wetland Recharge Park reduces pollutants in stomwater and residual treated wastewater by diverting it into cells containing aquatic plants and microorganisms that clean the water. In addition to 2½ miles of walking trail and wildlife overlooks, the park has 20 educational signs and four permanent interactive exhibits that describe the flora and fauna that make use of the clean habitat and explain how water moves through the park.
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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