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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Why won’t Florida, CDC release state’s breakthrough COVID data?
For more than two months, the Tampa Bay Times and other news organizations have been asking Florida for data that breaks down how many vaccinated people have been infected, hospitalized or died of COVID-19. They are called “breakthrough” cases, data that would show how effectively the vaccine has protected Floridians — and how vulnerable the unvaccinated are. But the Florida Department of Health has continually refused those requests, citing what public health and legal experts say are misplaced privacy concerns. The CDC also refuses to release that data, deferring to the state on whether to share it publicly. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
To cruise or not to cruise as Omicron spreads? If you set sail, here’s what you need to know
Most of the cruise lines require adult and teenage passengers to show proof of full vaccination. However, since the new variant emerged in the United States on Nov. 22 and now is the dominant strain nationwide, infections have spread even among people fully inoculated. [Source: Miami Herald]
Will real estate in Sarasota, Manatee stay hot in 2022? Experts think so
With interest rate hikes anticipated in the coming months to combat rising inflation, a new COVID variant spreading, and supply chain issues still prevalent, will Sarasota/Manatee-area residential real estate stay hot in 2022? From conversations with prominent homebuilders, economists and Realtors, the answer appears to be an emphatic yes. Jack McCabe, a Florida economist who predicted the Great Recession and housing collapse of the late 2000s, has often been at odds with Realtors over his economic outlooks. But in his forecast for 2022, McCabe had not a negative word to say about the local market. [Source: Sarasota Herald Tribune]
Brightline breaks ground on parking garage for future Boca Raton station
The station complex, including the garage, is projected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2022, according to a press statement from the private train service based in Miami's Overtown. It will be constructed on 1.8 acres of land owned by the city of Boca Raton beside the downtown library at 1501 Spanish River Blvd. The city will reportedly pay the $12.1 million cost of constructing the parking garage. Brightline currently runs between three stations located in the downtown areas of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
Here are 10 big legal issues to watch in Florida in 2022
ELECTIONS: With high-profile elections looming in November, Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker is slated to start a trial Jan. 31 in challenges by voting-rights groups to a controversial new elections law. GUN PURCHASES: The National Rifle Association is asking the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reject a 2018 Florida law that prevents people under age 21 from buying guns. LOCAL GUN RESTRICTIONS: The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to take up a case challenging a 2011 state law that threatens tough penalties if city and county officials approve gun-related regulations. [Source: WUSF]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tampa City Council chairman eyes temporary rent controls
Orlando Gudes says renters are being ‘gouged’ by landlords.
› More private rocket companies are set to light up Space Coast with launches in 2022
While SpaceX and United Launch Alliance have been sending rockets up at an increased pace the past several years, the Space Coast is about to get much busier with more commercial rocket companies set to join the launch party.
› Rules to use high-speed audit equipment for Florida vote recounts drafted
State elections officials are proposing new rules for election audits and recounts based on a law approved in 2020. It was pushed by county election supervisors for years to allow independent auditing machines to perform recounts.
› Pinellas County is working to bring more teachers of color to classrooms
Call Me MiSTER provides men of color with support such as tuition or housing assistance, books, or professional development.
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