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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
› As chlorine plant moves out of Tampa’s Rattlesnake Point, development readies
For years, a chlorine plant on a narrow peninsula once infested with the venomous reptiles it was named for concerned activists even as its 30 acres enticed developers. Activists and some City Council members worried that an accident could spread deadly gases on a narrow peninsula with no easy way to escape. As developers eyed the attractive waterfront real estate just south of the Gandy Bridge, a longtime occupant, Chemical Formulators Inc., became increasingly worried as well.
› As federal programs dry up, South Florida food banks struggle with inflation and increased demand
Families are feeling the bite of inflation at the gas pumps, at the grocery stores and in their rent prices. As more families turn to food banks to make ends meet, South Florida meal sharing programs are struggling too. “Demand is increasing out there,” said Stephen Shelley, the CEO of Florida-based food bank Farm Share. “The general population that are affected by inflation, high gas prices, high rent, food costs, household staples, they’re once again turning to food banks for support.”
› Prominent Naples family buys Florida Weekly media company
The Hoffmann Family of Cos., one of the most prolific buyers of businesses in the region, is getting into the newspaper and media business. The Naples-based company is acquiring Florida Media Group LLC, publishers of nine newspapers with a combined circulation of more than 220,000 weekly readers, according to a statement. Financial terms of the deal, to take place July 1, weren’t disclosed.
› TD Bank withdraws application for new Oviedo branch — but still plans to open one there
TD Bank still plans to add a location in the Oviedo market, despite withdrawing its application for a site there. The Cherry Hill, New Jersey-based American subsidiary of Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE: TD) had withdrawn a request to open a branch on Mitchell Hammock Road, according to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The bank previously got approval to open a branch there in December 2021.
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