SHARE:
Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Despite improving economy, Florida officials predict family aid to increase
Despite an improving national economy, Florida officials predict temporary aid to needy families will increase for the next four years due to larger-than-expected program use by immigrants lacking permanent legal status. The data was released by the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, which is the research arm of the Legislature that issues economic and social trend forecasts that affect policymaking, revenues and appropriations. The group holds conferences periodically to brief lawmakers and other state officials. [Source: The Center Square]
Federal judge hears arguments over new Florida law about Chinese ownership of land
A federal judge listened to more than two hours of arguments Tuesday about whether he should block a new Florida law that restricts people from China from owning property in the state. U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor asked numerous questions of attorneys for the state and plaintiffs seeking a preliminary injunction against the law. He said he would make a decision as soon as he can but that a ruling would not be “super imminent.” [Source: News Service of Florida]
First-ever statewide cyber fraud enforcement 'will keep Florida citizens safe' against cybercrimes, leaders say
As internet-based crime continues to be one of the fastest-growing security threats people face, the state of Florida is fighting back with a new, first-ever cyber fraud enforcement unit. During a news conference Tuesday in Tampa, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody explained how more than 53 million Americans were affected by cybercrime in the first half of 2022 alone. [Source: WTSP]
Florida's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday to begin July 24
Certain school supplies, clothes and more will be exempt from sales tax through Florida's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which is set to begin July 24. Monday, July 24, through Sunday, August 6, some items will be exempted. The sales tax holiday will also take place January 1, 2024 through January 14, 2024. [Source: WTXL]
The marine heat wave is killing coral reefs. Here's how South Florida is being impacted
South Florida’s coral reefs are in grave danger and the enemy is the water in which they live — It’s just way too hot. “We’re now in the middle of July and we’re looking at temperatures higher than we’ve ever seen before and this includes late summer, August, September, so we are on target for hitting temperatures that we’ve never seen before in South Florida waters,” said Bill Precht, a coral researcher formerly with NOAA. The high temperatures cause corals to bleach, which means they lose the symbiotic algae which give them their color. [Source: NBC Miami]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› 'Operation Southern Slow Down': Florida launches week-long anti-speeding campaign
Drivers who find themselves traveling on the interstate this week — watch your speed. The Florida Highway Patrol has launched their week-long speed enforcement campaign, and troopers will be increasing their presence on the highways. "FHP will specifically focus on detecting and citing drivers for exceeding the posted speed limits across Florida’s interstate corridors," according to a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles press release.
› Airbnb rentals are down in Orlando, but sector not collapsing, analyst says
Demand for apartments, homes, rooms and other accommodations, commonly hosted on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo is down across Orlando, even as it remains strong nationwide, an analyst said. While demand is up about 10% nationwide, Bram Gallagher, an economist at AirDNA, suspects it will be down between 5 and 10% in the nation’s tourism capital this summer. “Orlando is definitely different than the nation as a whole and is performing much differently,” he said.
› Miami-Dade has its first $11 billion budget. Why a lower tax rate won’t cut spending
A surge in property taxes is helping fund Miami-Dade County’s first budget proposal to top $11 billion, despite Mayor Daniella Levine Cava proposing a 1% cut in the countywide property-tax rate. With real estate values booming and other revenue sources on the rise in Miami-Dade, Levine Cava on Monday unveiled the largest spending plan in county history as she gears up for reelection in 2024.
› New College faculty turnover is ‘ridiculously high’
Amid its broad transformation led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, New College of Florida officials are working to fill 36 faculty positions ahead of the fall semester that starts next month. New College has secured signed offer letters for 15 incoming visiting faculty members as it looks to address what Provost Brad Thiessen called a “ridiculously high” level of turnover compared to previous years. The vacancies account for about a third of the liberal arts school’s total faculty, as the most recently published information on the New College website said the campus had 94 full-time faculty members.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
In case you missed it:
