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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Thought it was gone? COVID is on the rise again in Florida
Florida is seeing a COVID uptick last experienced after the winter holidays. The increase in the number of cases began immediately after the Fourth of July and has risen each week since, according to national and state data tracking services. Although reported testing levels are relatively low, the positivity rate has jumped to 17.4% from 11% a month ago, according to state health data. More from WJCT and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Just what does home insurance cost in Florida? Estimates vary widely
Just what does the average Florida homeowner pay for property insurance? Good luck figuring that out based on wildly varying estimates quoted across the media. About the only thing everyone agrees on is that the state’s insurance rates have been rising sharply. Insurers say they need higher premiums to offset mounting losses from hurricane claims, severe weather events, high rates of litigation, and resulting increases in the cost of reinsurance — insurance that insurers must buy to make sure they can pay all claims after a disaster. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida made phone robocall law more business-friendly leaving voters asking why
Just when Florida’s new robocall law was proving to do everything it set out to do for consumers, earlier this year that changed. State lawmakers brought back the issue. Only this time their focus seemed to be less on protecting Florida consumers and more on helping big businesses get back in the robocall game. [Source: WFTS]
Congressional leaders discuss ways to help Florida farmers ahead of peak hurricane season
Farmers across the state are still reeling from the devastating effects from both citrus greening, a disease spread by bugs that starves out Florida’s staple citrus crops, creating a historic low in citrus production this year, and Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, both of which further rendered damage to the state’s crops. Thus, the bipartisan meeting Thursday fostered discussions about the agriculture issues marring the state and how best to deal with them through the upcoming farm bill, a package of legislation filed about every five years. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida gas prices jump 20 cents in a week
It's not your imagination: Gas prices are going up. Fast. The national average for a gallon of gas jumped 13 cents since last week to $3.714, according to the American Automobile Association. While below the national average, gas prices in Florida have hit $3.659 for a gallon of regular as of July 27. [Source: Daytona Beach News Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida judge rejects Disney bid to dismiss lawsuit over theme park
A state judge in Florida has rejected Disney's request to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the entertainment giant by an oversight board relating to a battle for authority over the Disney World theme park, the state's largest employer. Judge Margaret Schreiber issued her decision on Friday in the latest round of legal battles between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
› New area code coming for Miami-Dade and Florida Key
New phone customers in Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys will get a 645 area code starting Aug. 4, the state Public Service Commission announced Friday. The new area code, what is known in the telecommunications industry as an “overlay,” will be assigned in the same territory as the 305 and 786 area codes that cover Miami-Dade County and the Keys. Commission Chairman Andrew Fay said in a prepared statement the new code ensures customer demand for new lines is met.
› Nonprofits encourage Central Floridians to use tax-free holiday to buy, donate school supplies
A Central Florida nonprofit is encouraging residents to pick up extra school supplies to donate to teachers and students in need during Florida’s tax holiday. The school supply tax holiday continues through August 6. A Gift for Teaching is getting ready to reopen its free school supply closet for teachers on August 1, and is looking for donations of books, clothes, supplies and electronics.
› Pinellas poised to sue over insulin prices, joining other governments
Pinellas County is poised to become the latest government to sue drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers accused of artificially inflating the price of insulin for decades. County commissioners will vote Tuesday on whether to move ahead with the lawsuit. If they approve the measure, County Attorney Jewel White said during a commission work session Thursday, she would look to retain a consortium of law firms that is “largely the same” as the one the county used to pursue litigation against opioid manufacturers.
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