SHARE:
Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Despite bank failures and increased interest rates Floridian consumer sentiment moves higher
Consumer sentiment in Florida increased for a third month in a row in March to 69.7, up 2 points from a revised figure of 67.7 in February. On the contrary, national consumer sentiment plummeted 5 points. Floridians’ opinions about current economic conditions were mixed. Views of personal financial situations now compared with a year ago increased 2.1 points from 58.6 to 60.7. Notably, these views were shared by Floridians across all sociodemographic groups. In contrast, opinions as to whether now is a good time to purchase a major household item like an appliance fell slightly. More from UF News.
Recreational pot proposal tops 635,000 signatures
Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow recreational use of marijuana are moving closer to meeting a petition-signature requirement. The state Division of Elections website listed 635,961 valid signatures Tuesday, with 891,589 needed to put the proposal on the 2024 ballot. More from the News Service of Florida.
Commentary: New tech legislation hurts Florida small businesses
It’s been a challenging few years for small businesses in Florida. From capitalizing on digital tools and innovative marketing strategies to revamping business models and adapting to new federal regulations, our small businesses rose to the challenge and reminded us that Floridians are resilient. Unfortunately, however, this resiliency may be put to the test. Recently proposed legislation in our state Legislature threatens to harm these very businesses that have weathered the storm — not just by interfering with their revenue models, but also by changing the internet as we know it. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida lawmakers propose raising age for operating a golf cart
Some Florida teenagers may not be able to drive golf carts around their neighborhoods anymore if lawmakers pass a bill under discussion that would raise the age to operate a golf cart and add some additional requirements. Right now, the current age to drive a golf cart is 14 years old. The proposed bill would bump that up at least one year with a few other rules. More from News 4 Jax.
Sea urchin die-off threatens reefs from Florida to Caribbean. Scientists hope to revive them
These days, long-spined sea urchins are known as the gardeners of the sea. They tend the algae on the coral reefs they call home, making sure it never overwhelms their hosts. Spotting one on the Florida reef tract is a good sign that nearby corals are doing OK. Decades ago, their reputation was a little different. They were viewed as damaging nuisances — to divers and to reefs. More from the Miami Herald.
Profile
100-year-old Tampa man was a WWII Buffalo Soldier. The city is honoring him.
A military police officer at Camp Patrick Henry in Virginia reminded Roy Caldwood of his place in American society during World War II. “I was sitting in a movie theater on the base,” Caldwood said. “He told me that I had to sit in the last 10 rows.” Weeks later, for a little while, such treatment was just a memory. Caldwood, now 100, asked to be transferred to the 92nd Infantry Division of the Buffalo Soldiers, which was the U.S. Army’s all-Black division from the 1860s through 1950s during that time of segregation.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Arts Business
Future of Punta Gorda Symphony in question after canceled concert, concerned musicians
Over the last 45 years, the Punta Gorda Symphony has grown from a small, amateur community chamber ensemble into a full orchestra with professional musicians who come together for six main concerts each year. But its future was thrown into doubt this week after the season finale program was canceled at the last minute over alleged threats by the conductor and musicians saying they have likely lost their jobs.
» Read more from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
In case you missed it:
