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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Weekly jobless claims inch up in Florida
Florida saw a slight uptick in new unemployment claims last week, but the weekly figure remains on pace since the start of the year. With the state set up to update its unemployment figures on Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 6,197 new claims were filed in Florida last week, 766 more than the 5,431 claims submitted the week ending July 13. Florida has averaged 5,819 new claims a week since January. Nationally, 228,000 claims were filed last week, down 9,000 from the previous week. More from the News Service of Florida.
Florida won’t hold a bear hunt this year, despite worries to the contrary
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials confirmed Thursday that the state won’t hold a bear hunt this year. Concerns that discussion of a hunt might be on the agenda drew animal rights advocates to the commission’s meeting at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront on Thursday. But a spokesperson for the commission said the agency hasn’t scheduled a discussion about a bear hunt, which would be needed to set up rules and permitting requirements. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Odds up for Caribbean-bound system while Tropical Storm Don turns, NHC says
The chances a tropical storm or depression could form have increased as a tropical wave makes its way toward the Caribbean while Tropical Storm Don has begun its run to the north Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters said the Caribbean-bound system is an area of low pressure located several hundred miles west-southwest of the Cape Verde Islands interacting with the tropical wave that emerged off the coast of Africa earlier this week. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Early debt repayment could save Florida taxpayers nearly $34 million in interest
Florida taxpayers are set to save millions of dollars after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that some of the Sunshine State's debt had been paid down early. A total of $400 million in state debt has been paid back through the Debt Reduction Program, designed to accelerate the payment of bonds before they mature and saving Florida taxpayers almost $34 million in interest. The state still has, according to its most recent comprehensive financial report, nearly $25 billion in bond debt. More from the Center Square.
Florida’s elections laws take aim at voter registration groups
In a quiet Tampa office, a group of Hispanic community organizers met with six volunteers, all ready to learn Florida’s voter registration process. One of the leaders, Karolina Dorante, highlighted some achievements. “Since 2012 we have registered approximately 125,000 citizens,” said Dorante, youth development organizer of Mi Familia Vota, a nonprofit that works to boost Hispanic voter turnout. “This is important because every day we strive to inspire more people to vote.” Yet the future for this type of fieldwork feels bleak for dozens of local groups, nonprofits, and community organizations in Florida who depend on it. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Business Beat - Week of July 21st
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Profile
An ounce of prevention
Scott Westheimer, the new president of the Florida Bar, says education, mentoring and other proactive approaches can keep attorneys out of trouble. In his first term as president of the Florida Bar, Scott Westheimer aims to improve the legal profession’s service and standing in Florida by improving things for lawyers — particularly by helping them avoid running afoul of the Bar’s disciplinary system.
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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