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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
General revenue growth expected to peak at $46.3B
The Economic Estimating Conference met on Saturday to discuss Florida’s booming economy, and some of the shortfalls that could happen in the future. Florida has had a huge amount of growth, and its general revenue is expected to peak at $46.3 billion in fiscal year 2023, then flatten in 2024 to $45.3 billion. The drop in revenue for 2024 is credited to a slow down in the housing market and automotive sales. Car and light truck sales are projected to be slightly lower than previous years, thanks to the increase in fuel costs. [Source: The Center Square]
Like a hot tub: Water temperatures off Florida soar over 100 degrees, stunning experts
On Monday, as much of the country stewed in bubbling heat, a boiling milestone was hit — a buoy in Florida registered a jaw-dropping 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit water temperature. This was on the heels of the same buoy in Manatee Bay registering 100.2 degrees on Sunday. For perspective, the average hot tub temperature ranges between 100-102 degrees. Despite a month of record-setting water temperatures already in the history books, Sunday and Monday's 100-degree water temperature reading stunned experts. [Source: NBC News]
Chances for system near Florida fall, but hurricane center tracks 2 more
The National Hurricane Center continues to keep an eye on a system in the Atlantic with a small chance to develop into a tropical depression or storm as it approaches the Florida coast, but is also eyeing two more systems in the Atlantic. In its 8 p.m. Tuesday tropical outlook, the NHC said the weak trough of low pressure was located a few hundred miles southwest of Bermuda, but is expected to migrate toward the U.S. in the coming week. “Significant development of this system appears unlikely while it moves move west-northwestward toward the southeastern U.S. coast over the next several days,” forecasters said. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
The new-look NFL Pro Bowl is returning to Florida in February
The 2024 Pro Bowl Games are coming back to Orlando. The NFL announced Tuesday the reimagined Pro Bowl, which was held in central Florida four straight seasons between 2017-2020, will be played at Camping World Stadium on Feb. 4. The weeklong event features AFC vs. NFC stars competing in various skills challenges and culminates with a flag-football game. Peyton Manning and his brother, Eli, again will coach the two teams. More from the AP and the Orlando Business Journal.
What to know as Florida's lobster mini-season set to start
Florida's annual lobster mini-season is set to begin and it’ll come with a large showing of law enforcement patrolling the waters to make sure people stay safe and follow the rules The 2023 mini-season runs July 26-27 and allows residents and visitors to catch spiny lobsters. On Tuesday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission demonstrated how to properly measure the lobster before taking it home. [Source: NBC Miami]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Southwest Florida labor force grows by 16,800 in June
Southwest Florida’s labor force increased by 16,847 in June, compared to June 2022, according to data from FloridaCommerce. The Fort Myers area labor force grew by 15,327 in June, a 4.1% year-over-year increase, and the Naples area labor force increased by 0.8% to 1,520.
› This restaurant and secret speakeasy from Mexico is opening its first U.S. spot in Miami
Its name may invoke whiskey, but the newest restaurant on Calle Ocho is about all things Mexican (including mezcal and tequila served in a separate and secret bar). Whiskylucan, a concept that was created in 2019 in Mexico with locations in Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche and Merida Yucatan, has opened its first U.S. restaurant in Little Havana.
› Four Seasons announces its luxury brand will open in Jacksonville in 2026
Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts announced Tuesday it will open a hotel and residences under its luxury banner in Jacksonville in 2026, marking the first time the global hotelier has confirmed it is joining Jaguars owner Shad Khan in bringing a Four Seasons to the downtown riverfront.
› Pinellas government explores move that would transform downtown Clearwater
After more than a century of Pinellas County government operating in downtown Clearwater, officials are considering a plan to move out and help attract private development to fill its place in what would be a transformative chapter for the city. With aging buildings and about $146 million in upgrade costs if operations were to stay put, real estate consultants have recommended that the county sell or lease its 16 downtown properties to developers for retail, housing and hospitality uses to “activate and energize” the area.
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