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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida citrus crop expected to top last year’s
Florida’s 2023-24 citrus crop should be significantly more robust than last season’s, according to the latest USDA forecast. The 2022-23 season was marred by two hurricanes and a December freeze, said Matt Joyner, CEO of Bartow-based Florida Citrus Mutual. This year’s citrus crop experienced some early drought conditions, but rain eventually picked up, and as of late October, the state’s citrus-growing regions had not been hit by any hurricanes, though there still were a few weeks left in hurricane season. [Source: The Packer]
As pedestrian deaths on Halloween rise, Florida officials urge caution
Last year on Halloween in Florida, 21 people were killed in crashes, according to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Historically, it's one of the deadliest nights for pedestrians. That's why officials are urging drivers and trick-or-treaters to take extra precautions this year. According to a press release, there were nearly 2,600 crashes on Halloween last year. [Source: ABC Action News]
See also:
» Wintry blast hitting U.S. for Halloween means slightly cooler Florida
Florida waterways impacted by rising temps, pollution and more
Across the state of Florida, our waterways are being impacted by a host of issues: rising temperatures, pollution, and development, among others. But some areas are feeling it more than most. An area known as the Forgotten Coast has been virtually untouched for hundreds of years. But in the most recent decade, development and expansion have had an impact on the area’s most prized possession, the seagrass and sea floor. They are the incubator of the diversified life here in the gulf. [Source: WFTS]
Condo reserve rules and rising insurance costs could lead to foreclosure crisis. ‘People are going to be losing their homes’
The one-two punch of the post-Surfside law designed to require condominium associations to set aside sufficient reserves for structural repairs combined with Florida’s unending increases in insurance costs is threatening to produce a wave of foreclosures. “People are going to be losing their homes. Foreclosures are increasing,” warned Broward County Commissioner Mark Bogen. “As it looks right now, there are going to be so many people unable to live in their homes. … This is going to really be a crisis in our state.” [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida bill seeks change to state pension's cost of living adjustment
A new bill that could change how Florida calculates its cost of living adjustment for retirees has been filed in the Legislature. House Bill 151 is sponsored by state Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, R-Coral Gables, and is an act that would amend state law on state retiree COLAs. For certain retirees and beneficiaries, how their respective benefits are calculated will be revised and the bill also provides a declaration of important state interest. [Source: The Center Square]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Here are the Orlando theme park projects in the queue for 2024
The list of theme park attractions set to debut in 2024 features a mix of shows, water rides, roller coasters and character meet-and-greets. New attractions or reworks of existing ones provide something new for visitors to experience. That results in new hotel stays, ancillary spending and more that all helps the local economy.
› Miami-Dade mayor suspends transit director over free fares, says costs weren’t cleared
Weeks ahead of Miami-Dade’s transit system going temporarily fare fee, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is suspending the county’s transportation director over the plan, saying the announcement was rushed and the costs not cleared by budget administrators.
› Sarasota has a YMCA again, behind major nonprofit merger announcement
After a four-year saga that included multiple name changes, a real estate transaction worth nearly $4.5 million and a small-but-mighty crew of determined donors and volunteers, the YMCA brand is back in Sarasota. The news — celebratory for longtime Y devotees devastated in September 2019 when the then-Sarasota Family YMCA shuttered its two branches in town — stems from a nonprofit merger announced this week.
› Florida Theatre reopens following $8 million renovation
The Florida Theatre emerged out of its $8 million, months-long renovation Friday evening with a ribbon cutting that included Mayor Donna Deegan. Dozens of dignitaries and invited patrons partook of the three open bars and hors d’oeuvres while walking through all three floors of the theatre, examining the decorative artwork throughout the nearly century-old structure.
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