The flu is soaring in Florida and other states, health officials say
The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted new flu data on Friday, showing very high activity last week in Louisiana, and high activity in Florida... [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
How women can stay financially savvy when they make more money than their partner
According to UBS's latest Own Your Worth report, “Tradition, Trust and Time,” women primary breadwinners face societal pressures, relationship tensions and time constraints that often prevent them from taking a more active role in important financial decisions about the money they're earning. Thirty percent of high-earning, heterosexual women in the U.S. surveyed by UBS are now the primary household earners, yet less than half prefer that role. [Source: Florida Trend]
Firm of Brazilian executive sells Surfside condo for $27M
Monte Chateau LLC, managed by Laercio Jose de Lucena Cosentino, the chairman of Brazil-based software company Totvs, sold the 6,791-square-foot unit 1001 in the tower at 9349 Collins Ave. The buyer was the Neal S. Litman PA Land Trust, with Litman as trustee. It was an off-market deal. The price equated to $3,991 per square foot. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
Orlando HIV rates continue to outpace national average
Orlando continues to have a markedly high number of HIV diagnoses, much like Florida as a whole, and the area is struggling to get care for those who need it, according to newly released analyses of 2021 data. That year, 618 people in metro Orlando were diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus, which can cause AIDS, bringing the total number of HIV-diagnosed people in the metro area to 14,298. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida legislative request would preserve rail corridor on I-4, paving way for Brightline's expansion
Florida Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman sponsored a request from Hillsborough County Commissioner Michael Owen to incorporate "a modest scope of additional structure work" into a $2 billion highway construction project near Orlando that would allow for intercity passenger rail service. Now, thanks to "Moving Florida Forward," an approximately 11-mile stretch of Interstate 4 near Champions Gate already has the funds to be widened, with the first phase of road construction expected to begin in late next year. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Sarasota moves to make marijuana possession criminal again after few pay civil fines
The Sarasota City Commission took the first steps toward repealing its marijuana civil citation program on Monday after a presentation by police that recommended the move because of nearly 90% noncompliance with the program's fines. Since 2020, when the City Commission passed the ordinance that decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, Sarasota police have issued 427 civil citations for possession with only 47 people paying the fine and one person opting for community service.
› ‘We don’t have any money.’ Broward Superintendent tours schools, and talk of closures ramps up
In the first step toward the consolidation or closure of public schools, Broward schools superintendent Peter Licata went on a road tour Monday to visit campuses. He’s been tasked by the School District to bring a plan back in June 2024 that would impact five public schools, but there’s no criteria on where in the county they’d be, or whether they’d be a mix of elementary, middle or high schools.
› Publix announces Executive Chairman, CEO, and President
Publix announced that effective January 1, 2024, CEO Todd Jones will become Executive Chairman, President Kevin Murphy will be promoted to CEO, and Senior Vice President John Goff will be promoted to President. Chairman of the Board Ed Crenshaw will remain on the board of directors as Chairman Emeritus.
› Saltleaf Golf Preserve opens in Estero
Saltleaf Golf Preserve is ready to tee off, as the 18-hole renovated course, previously known as Raptor Bay Golf Club, opened to golfers Monday. The $25 million renovation is part of London Bay Development Group’s project near the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs.
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› Tallahassee Community College will be renamed Tallahassee State College
Tallahassee Community College is likely to get a new name: Tallahassee State College. That’s according to a new bill filed before the legislature. The measure was filed this week, a day after trustees approved the new name. TCC President Jim Murdaugh first floated the idea of changing the school’s name in August.
› Is Florida's license plate at end of the road?
Florida’s standard license plates have long featured a pair of oranges and an orange blossom. But Sen. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, said last week that talks are underway to update the design. A proposal likely will come in 2025, unless a bill is rolled out for the 2024 legislative session, which will start Jan. 9.
› Boaters asked to slow down for the sea cows
November is Manatee Awareness Month, a critical time for boaters to be on the lookout for manatees as they travel to warmer water sites around the state.
› Miami's syringe exchange program seeks to expand around Florida
Florida’s first syringe exchange program will mark its seventh anniversary on Dec. 1, and Emilie Ashbes is a testament to its success in helping people avoid contracting infectious diseases, like HIV and hepatitis C, and conquer drug addiction.