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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Growing chance 2 Atlantic systems will form as hurricane center also eyes Gulf of Mexico
The National Hurricane Center forecasts continued development of two systems in the Atlantic that could form into the season’s next tropical depression or storm while also keeping tabs on a system expected to form in the Gulf of Mexico. In its 8 a.m. tropical outlook, the NHC said one system in the central tropical Atlantic and one on the eastern tropical Atlantic both had moderate chances to spin up into the season’s next official tropical cyclone. If both were to become named storms, they could become Tropical Storm Emily and Tropical Storm Franklin. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Sarasota to give developers four times the density if some units are affordable housing
A large downtown Sarasota project east of U.S. 301 could see some of the first affordable housing units built by a private developer using a new incentive program that would allow four times the number of units typically allowed in exchange for the developer including some below-market-cost housing in the project. The city has attempted to encourage developers with incentives, known as density bonuses, to build more affordable residences by allowing more of them in exchange for a share of the units renting or selling below market value, but with little success so far. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Here's how far a $250,000 salary actually goes in Orlando
Orlando ranked middle of the pack in an analysis that assessed how far $250,000 could go in 76 different U.S. cities. At No. 36, it was determined that $250,000 in Orlando would leave you with $165,309. That's according to SmartAsset, a New-York based financial technology company. To determine the ranking, SmartAsset compared the after-tax incomes of the six-figure payday in each city and adjusted those based on the location's cost of living. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
Company known for digital asset protection opening office in Alachua
A technology company focused on digital asset protection and transaction software as a service that just last year moved into a temporary space in Gainesville's Innovation District is on the move again. Vobile, known for its software services, has leased a 10,000-square-foot space that will be used for research and development as well as an operations center at San Felasco Tech City in Alachua. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Tampa opened “cooling centers” to save lives in the heat. Few knew
In response to the excessive heat warning and heat advisories, the city opened three cooling centers last Thursday, offering light snacks and water throughout the weekend, eight hours per day. But they haven’t attracted much traffic. A total of 10 people visited the centers on Thursday, according to city data. On Friday, there were 39 visitors. Over the weekend, there were 86 — averaging a little more than a dozen people per center per day. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Out of the Box
A casino at a Florida highway rest stop? Soon you can gamble and gas up at same place
Ever feel you need to win at the slot machines to pay off a tank of gas? You can soon try your hand at casino gambling while filling up on fuel, taking a bathroom break, or getting a snack at a soon-to-be refurbished Miccosukee Service Plaza, halfway across the stretch of Interstate 75 that links the southeast and southwest coasts of the state through the Everglades. The new casino destination, at the only pit stop on Alligator Alley, is slated to open in November.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Business Profile
Florida Atlantic University graduate launches business trapping invasive iguanas in Palm Beach County
If you live near fresh water in South Florida, chances are green iguanas aren’t far behind. “It’s a nuisance it drives my wife crazy, but it is what it is” said Colony Resident Matthew Majors. He said year-round the scaly critters are everywhere “They’re in my front yard, in my bushes, in my trees,” he added. Where many see a problem, Pierce Kennamer saw an opportunity and officially started his company Iggy Trap in January.
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