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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Millions of people are still moving to Florida. They might regret it.
A lot changed in 2022, but one thing stayed the same: Americans kept moving to Florida in large numbers. Some of them, however, are likely to regret it. Even as population growth has slowed in the US and turned negative in some states, Florida's population has grown every year since 1946, increasing nine-fold from a population of roughly two million that year. But some new residents are saying they regret their decision, citing severe weather, low wages, crowded beaches, changing politics, and steep housing prices. [Source: Business Insider]
What’s new in Florida cruises for 2023
Florida will have to wait just a little bit longer before it gets its hands on the new title holder for world’s largest cruise ship. That’s because Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas won’t make its inaugural sailing from Miami until January 2024 even though the cruise line will take delivery of the behemoth before the end of the year. That isn’t to say Florida will be completely lacking of new vessels in 2023, although several cruise lines will still be riding the highs of their 2022′s debut. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
National Labor Relations Board says Tesla illegally told Florida staff to not discuss pay or working conditions
Tesla’s accused of violating national labor laws by allegedly telling employees at its Orlando, Florida location not to talk about pay and working conditions, as first reported by Bloomberg. In a complaint filed in September, the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) regional director in Tampa claims Telsa “told employees not to complain to higher level managers about their pay or other conditions of employment” and said “not to discuss their pay with other persons.” More from the Verge and Bloomberg.
Want to take a train from New Orleans to Miami? Amtrak has ‘big time’ plans for Florida
The agreement is forged for Amtrak to run from New Orleans to Mobile starting in 2023, and now there is talk that passenger trains could continue on from South Mississippi to Orlando and Miami. A map outlining possible new service — revealed at a public meeting of the Amtrak board of directors Dec. 1 — shows Amtrak extending across the Florida panhandle again Pensacola through Tallahassee and to Jacksonville on the East Coast. [Source: Miami Herald]
SpaceX knocks out 1st launch of the year from Cape Canaveral
After managing 61 launches in 2022, SpaceX got its 2023 plans off to a booming start with a Space Coast launch and booster landing on Tuesday morning. The first-stage booster being used for a record-tying 15th time was able to return at Canaveral’s Launch Zone 1, bringing with it the rare double sonic boom that can be heard for miles around the landing site. SpaceX often relies on drone ships hundred of miles off the coast for its landings. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Butt out: Miami Beach stubs tobacco products at beaches, parks
Beach bums and parkgoers in Miami Beach can still show off their cabooses in revealing swimwear, but other butts — the ones attached to cigarettes — are no longer welcome. A new smoking ban went into effect on New Year’s Day on Miami Beach, where residents and visitors may no longer use most tobacco products at public parks and beaches.
› Hillsborough lifts water restrictions after two years
The start of the new year meant the start of new water rules in fast-growing southern Hillsborough County. The county ordinance limiting outdoor irrigation to one day a week expired Sunday. The temporary rules, approved by the County Commission in December 2020, were intended to offset what the county termed “dangerously low” water pressure in the southern part of the county utility system.
› The outlook for Northeast Florida residential real estate in 2023
In the world of Northeast Florida residential real estate, 2022 began with houses staying on the market for days rather than weeks or months. Prices escalated. Cash buyers from other states didn’t flinch at what longtime residents thought were outrageous prices because those new Floridians saw them as bargains. Then in the summer, interest rates spiked and inflation slowed a still tight market. “We’ve experienced two very different markets,” Northeast Florida Association of Realtors President Mark Rosener said.
› Orlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest: A new home, new shows and what you need to know
Orlando Fringe is putting its best foot forward in a new way for the 2023 Winter Mini-Fest: It will be the first event in its new ArtSpace at 54 W. Church St. “There are a lot of artists brand new to Orlando” who are participating, says producer Lindsay Taylor. “They’ll get the best treatment right off the bat.” Fringe ArtSpace officially opens with a free open house and party on Jan. 11, and the Mini-Fest kicks off the following night with 16 shows taking place over four days.
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