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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida's gas prices hit 2023 low
Sunshine State gas prices are the lowest they’ve been all year. AAA says Sunday’s average price of $3.04 per gallon is 15 cents less than a week ago and the lowest daily average price since late December 2022. “More than half of Florida gas stations now have gasoline priced below $3 a gallon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. More from WFLA, WFTV, and AAA
Florida's high-speed rail service could serve as blueprint for nationwide travel
A new where a new rail line connecting Miami and Orlando privides a significant development in travel options. Brightline's high-speed rail service — the only privately owned, multi-city railroad in the U.S. — was launched less than two months ago, and is already profitable and seeing a rise in ridership. Brightline trains, which can reach speeds of 125 miles per hour, have seen a 116% increase in ridership this year. The company anticipates accommodating approximately 4.3 million passengers annually between South Florida and Orlando by 2025. More from CBS News.
USF St. Petersburg's 'Brewing Arts Programs' prepares students for dynamic industry
The University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus is making waves in the academic world with its innovative Brewing Arts Program. Catering to the growing interest in craft brewing, this unique program blends science, art, and business to provide students with a comprehensive education in the craft beer industry. The curriculum covers everything from the science of fermentation to the intricacies of beer marketing, positioning graduates for success in a booming field. More from FOX 13.
Florida island with sugar-white sand beaches makes world’s top 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024
The sound of rolling waves nestles softly onto the sugar-white sand beaches. The water is turquoise and a consistent 80 degrees. A flock of pelicans fly by, low to the beach in V formation. This is not some faraway island in the South Pacific. It’s Anna Maria Island in Manatee County, Florida. You won’t find high-rise condos or hotels at this beachside paradise. There are no corporate restaurants or outlet malls. This is a destination defined by mom-and-pop storefronts and funky to elegant eateries. More from Action News JAX.
After delays, water taxi between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton has new launch date
Talked about for decades, water taxi service between the Bradenton waterfront and Anna Maria Island, could start in time for Thanksgiving. Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau briefed members of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council on water taxi plans. The water taxi’s start date has slipped several times due to a number of challenges, including finding a vendor, the time needed to build the boats, negotiating agreements with local governmental entities and more. More from the Bradenton Herald.
Innovations
Mission-driven Apogee Robotics launches personalized companion robot for autistic and neurodivergent people
It’s rare to find a truly mission-driven entrepreneur that is addressing a problem so technically, scientifically, and culturally challenging that has the potential to change the lives of millions of people. Kendall Peterson, founder and CEO of Apogee Robotics is one of those rare entrepreneurs who has made it his life’s mission to create a better way for neurodivergent people to thrive.
» More from Refresh Miami.
NextGen
Text Support
Born in Colombia, Maria Barrera moved to South Florida with her mom when she was 10. Though it was a hard transition, she excelled in math and science and by high school she was tutoring. “I would spend six hours every day after school running around Weston, going to different houses, and working with second-graders to seniors. I loved that — it was my happy place.” “On a whim,” Barrera applied to the top 10 engineering schools, and accepted an offer from No. 2 Stanford, where she earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in mechanical engineering, but also took electives in psychology.
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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