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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
DeSantis’ second inauguration is being watched closely as a preview of what’s to come
Ron DeSantis will be sworn in Tuesday to his second term as Florida’s 46th governor, and it is already being seen as the start of his audition for the presidency. DeSantis has positioned himself on the national stage as a likely front-runner for the Republican nomination for president in 2024, but that requires him to launch a campaign for a new job while barely into the four-year term for his current one. The potential political prospects have many watching how he will use his newfound stature. More from the Tampa Bay Times, the Miami Heraldand Politico.
Amount of Florida launches to increase in 2023, officials say
With the world’s largest rocket, the SLS, launching NASA’s return to the moon last year, some might think it’ll be tough to top 2022 out at Cape Canaveral this year. “The number of launches will increase, I think we have over 80 on the manifest," Dale Ketcham of Space Florida said. Advertisement The total launches could double that of last year. New rockets will also be blasting off, some we’ve never seen before. More from WESH.
Florida gas prices top national average
The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florida has topped the national average as fuel costs increase. The AAA auto club said Tuesday the average price in Florida was $3.29, with the national average at $3.23. Tuesday was the third consecutive day Florida’s average was over the national mark. State and national gas prices have been on the rise since Dec. 24. More from the News Service of Florida.
Fewer falling iguanas in Florida’s future? Reptile invaders may be adapting to cold
Alongside runs on hot chocolate and churros, cold-stunned iguanas dropping from trees are one of South Florida’s most iconic winter traditions. When it gets cold, videos of the reptiles sprawled on the ground pop up all over social media, including during the recent Christmas cold snap that plunged temperatures into the 40s near Miami. But ongoing research suggests Florida’s falling iguana phenomenon could be rarer in the future — both due to climbing global temperatures from unchecked climate change and a shift in cold hardiness in the lizards themselves. That’s right, the big lizards (cue the sci fi movie music) appear to be adapting. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
How Florida companies can prioritize mental health
After Hurricane Ian hit, the management team at Sunshine Ace Hardware reached out to their 316 employees. The team asked about employees’ safety, their families’ safety, their homes. Then they just asked a simple question: How are you? It’s a simple question but a loaded one. Mentally, the American worker has not been doing well. Stress levels have already been high because of the pandemic and its repercussions—and locally, the hurricane that made landfall on Sept. 28, 2022, significantly exacerbated the issue. More from Gulfshore Business.
Travel Trends
What it’s like on the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas
Everything is a big deal on the biggest cruise ship in the world. For the first time, Royal Caribbean is using Port Canaveral as its home base for its newest ship, the Wonder of the Seas. With 18 passenger decks, it stretches nearly 1,200 feet long and has room for nearly 7,000 passengers attended by some 2,200 crew members, the most of any cruise ship. It’s five times larger than the Titanic. You’ll get your steps in before dinnertime aboard this city on the sea, which could be tough for anyone with a fear of heights. The view from the top at 1,187 feet is taller than the Eiffel Tower.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Out of the Box
Florida man opens DC bar that looks like a swimming pool
DC’s new Florida-themed bar, Royal Sands Social Club, is one big pool party. Patrons literally wade into the massive Navy Yard bar, which is covered in blue tiles to look like a swimming pool. Groups can snag umbrella-covered cabana booths for frozen piña coladas and conch fritters. And on weekends, a DJ will spin from a lifeguard tower.
» Read more from the Washingtonian.
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