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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
› Florida's upcoming Senate President Ben Albritton has a focus on agriculture
In a unanimous vote the Florida Senate’s Republican caucus has elected Ben Albritton as its President-designate for the 2024-2026 cycle. The move made it official for the 5th generation Florida citrus farmer from Hardee County. Albritton’s political philosophy is governed by a select few principles. “Know that my values will not change," he told the Republican Senate caucus. "Faith, family, freedom, opportunity, life and agriculture are what define me."
› Miami-Dade mayor keeps Metrorail top-of-mind for U.S. Transportation Secretary in Miami
With U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visiting on Wednesday to talk about the Biden administration’s investment in PortMiami, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also had a project on her mind that has yet to receive federal money — the long awaited North Corridor Metrorail expansion. In introducing Buttigieg, Levine Cava mentioned the effort to make the elevated rail project a reality.
› PIE, TPA see big September traffic numbers
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) says its September traffic was up 8.4% over September 2022, giving the Pinellas County airport its biggest September ever. PIE airport officials say the airport saw 143,196 passengers, with domestic passengers up 9% over 2022's record-breaking September. Currently, PIE has no international flights.
› These are the largest specialty contractors in Orlando
The top five specialty contractors combined for over $456 million in specialty contracting revenue in 2022. Their specialties lie in plumbing, roofing, electrical, acoustics, air conditioning and solar. Locally the top companies employ almost 2,000 people. Many of these top companies were on OBJ's Golden 100 and Fast 50 lists for 2023.
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