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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida opioid overdoses are down for the first time in years
Opioid overdose deaths are declining overall in the Sunshine State, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Central Florida saw some of the biggest reductions. Opioid overdose deaths skyrocketed after the start of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. But in 2022, Florida saw a 2.6% decrease in drug overdoses, CDC data showed. One of the largest drops in the state came out of Brevard County, which saw a 49% decrease. Seminole and Orange counties saw decreases of over 11%. [Source: WUSF]
Florida sees spike in gun sales after start of war between Israel and Hamas
As the war between Israel and Hamas continues overseas, some Florida gun store owners say they have seen a spike in sales. Several shop owners in South Florida said many of their recent customers have been people in the Jewish community. Some gun stores have also started additional classes to teach people with little gun experience how to handle them safely. [Source: WFTV]
Spring’s dry conditions bring slightly smaller Florida oranges
Florida oranges are shipping steadily in what, to date, looks to be a calmer season than 2022. “Last season was unique. We had two hurricanes and the freeze so our volume was down for that reason,” said Steven Callaham of the Dundee Citrus Growers. “We’ve had for the most part cooperating weather this year.” The only thing that has impacted this year’s crop is in late spring and early summer, conditions were fairly dry in Central Florida. [Source: Fresh Plaza]
Recidivism, elderly health problems among inmates are serious issues in Florida
Florida has a recidivism problem. Despite a drop in crime of more than 50% between 2000 and 2019, the state’s incarceration rate has remained stable. That’s because more than 60% of people released from prison in the Sunshine State will be arrested again within three years, a 2022 Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) report found. [Source: Florida Politics]
Florida taxpayers may be eligible for a free IRS tax filing pilot program in 2024
The IRS on Tuesday unveiled more details about its direct filing pilot program launching for the 2024 tax season — and Florida taxpayers may be eligible. Known as Direct File, the pilot will allow certain taxpayers to electronically file federal tax returns for free directly through the IRS, the agency told reporters on a press call. [Source: NBC Miami]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Miami-Dade farmlands’ critical mass in danger zone, University of Florida finds
Miami-Dade’s agricultural industry, which a century ago fed the nation in winter with vegetables and fruit, is in danger of hitting a critical point where it doesn’t have enough farmland to remain viable, a county-commissioned report by the University of Florida warns. The county, which still had 120,000 acres of farmland in 1959, had only 58,606 acres identified as agriculture for tax exemptions in 2017 and 78,543 farmland acres identified in the census.
› Johnson & Johnson Vision launches $57 million expansion in Jacksonville
Johnson & Johnson Vision is working on at least $57 million in investments at its Jacksonville disposable contact lens manufacturing plant in Deerwood Park on the Southside. The city issued a permit Oct. 17 for an almost $30.71 million project to renovate space to install new equipment at the 7500 Centurion Parkway plant.
› Kennedy Space Center hosts expo for underutilized businesses
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center continues to provide a major boost to the Florida and local economies. While contracts with major corporations often receive the highest visibility, the space agency also places emphasis on working with all small businesses, including outreach to service disabled, woman-owned and firms in Historically Underutilized Businesses Zones, or HUBZones.
› In national program, Orlando Museum of Art will add free days
Thanks to a nationwide program funded by a Walmart heir, Orlando Museum of Art will offer free admission one day each month, beginning in January. The museum announced this week that it is one of 64 museums across the country to participate in a three-year, $40 million pilot program called Access for All.
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