March 28, 2024

Tuesday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 10/25/2022

The storm has passed. For thousands in Florida, the displacement lingers.

Thousands of Floridians were displaced after the area was all but annihilated by Hurricane Ian, one of the strongest storms in United States history. The hurricane caused tens of billions of dollars in damages, including to thousands of homes. And while the area hosts many snowbirds and second-home owners, some of its permanent residents have now become temporary refugees – relying on the help of their own community while also wondering whether it can still be home. [Source: Christian Science Monitor]

Florida Trend Exclusive
Affordable housing around Florida

Soaring housing costs are a hazard to Florida’s economic growth, leading communities that want to sustain their workforce to respond with new initiatives. Luxury developers to non-profit agencies are stepping up with solutions — both in multifamily properties and individual homes — to address the statewide housing crunch. [Source: Florida Trend]

Florida records 20,055 new COVID-19 cases, 515 deaths ahead of projected winter surge, new variants

There were 20,055 new coronavirus cases recorded over the last two weeks among Florida residents, bringing the cumulative total to 7,149,300. With 515 more fatalities on record, 82,176 Florida residents have died. The death total over the last two weeks reflects a decrease from the 522 reported in the two weeks prior, but deaths can take several days or weeks to be reported. Many newly reported deaths are of people who died before the last two weeks. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

COVID, abortion, Parkland and 2024: 4 key moments from the Florida governor debate

For one hour Monday night, Democrat Charlie Crist was on equal footing with Gov. Ron DeSantis. Literally — the two stood side by side on a stage in Fort Pierce for the first and only scheduled debate in the Florida governor’s race. Enormously out-funded and behind in the polls, Crist, a former U.S. representative, needed a game-changing debate performance. It’s unclear if he got one, as the two spent the hour sparring over everything from inflation to the pandemic to immigration. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.

Tech groups ask Supreme Court to hear case on Florida social media law

Tech industry groups asked the Supreme Court to hear a case on a Florida law that could help shape the future of how companies are allowed to moderate content online. The Computer and Communications Association (CCIA) and NetChoice petitioned the Supreme Court on Monday to review a case about Florida’s law, which would limit companies from being able to remove content and users that violate their policies. [Source: The Hill]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› More equitable hiring practices on horizon for those with criminal records in Gainesville
City officials are considering a measure aimed at preventing the criminal records of job applicants from blocking their chances at employment. The Gainesville City Commission is moving toward adopting a “fair chance” ordinance, which would prohibit employers from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal background before extending a job offer, and mandate that employers only consider recent convictions and pending prosecutions in hiring decisions, not arrests or old convictions.

› In Largo referendum, a promised economic asset faces environmental concerns
As they head to the polls next month or peruse their already-delivered mail ballots, Largo voters face a long, winding question. The language for referendum 2 is a single sentence, with 71 words, six commas and a citation of a city ordinance. In essence, it boils down to this: Should the city be allowed to sell nearly 88 acres of land to a developer who wants to build a sports complex? What voters read into it, though, may depend on whose voice is ringing loudest in their heads.

› What’s ahead for Orlando Brightline construction?
Brightline is working on safety testing as it gets closer to completing its 170-mile expansion from South Florida to Orlando. The Miami-based intercity rail provider started running trains in Martin and St. Lucie counties on Oct. 21 as part of testing the trains at 110 miles per hour. The testing — which Brightline has done in other parts along the route such as in Brevard County — comes as it is more than 86% complete on the route.

› Stickers helping raise money to rebuild Southwest Florida businesses
A man and business owner in Southwest Florida is giving back and helping raise money to rebuild local businesses after Hurricane Ian. “People people lost their own homes, they lost their cars, they lost food in their fridge,” said Ray Medeiros. Now, Medeiros has joined the fight to rebuild his home by selling stickers.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

Tags: Daily Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should Congress ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S.?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Need more details
  • What is TikTok?
  • Other (Comment below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2024 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.