Drought vs deluge: Florida's unusual rainfall totals either too little or too much on each coast
In Florida, this year has been a tale of two states as far as rainfall totals, with the southeast coast deluged by sometimes-record rainfall and much of the Gulf of Mexico coast facing a drought. What's happening in Florida could soon become a reality elsewhere, as farmers and residents increasingly have to deal with changes in weather patterns because of climate change. This means hotter temperatures in summer, more powerful hurricanes and other heavier rainstorms and droughts during unexpected seasons. [Source: AP]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida Icon: Deby Cassill
The University of South Florida research biologist tells us: "Being an introvert, I avoid social interactions, but that’s not true in the classroom. I love teaching. Teaching is another way of understanding the world because you have to, in so many words, tell a story with a beginning, middle and end. My students, by asking questions, have changed the way I think about biology. Teaching has helped me better understand biology." [Source: Florida Trend]
Gas prices in Florida are now the lowest in 2023. Will that last for the holidays?
Gas prices in Florida fell 15 cents from last week, and are now the cheapest of 2023. The average cost in the state on Sunday was $3 a gallon — and dropped even more on Monday to an average of $2.98. Will the trend continue through the Christmas and New Year’s travel season? “Oil and gasoline futures prices plummeted last week, after a weekly fuel report showed strong refinery activity, leading to big gains in gasoline supplies,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA. [Source: Miami Herald]
State continues tapping national guard for prisons
A little more than a year after calling on the National Guard to assist the state Department of Corrections, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is proposing to assign another 100 guard members to Florida prisons and buy dozens of now-leased trailers to house them and family members. The corrections agency for years has grappled with staffing shortages and high turnover rates, resulting in millions of dollars in overtime pay for workers. [Source: News Service of Florida]
New Florida website for Medicaid, food assistance hit with early problems
Florida launched a new computer system last week intended to make it easier to access government benefit programs including food assistance. But problems with the system and a requirement that every recipient must re-register have sparked worries that some residents may struggle to obtain and keep benefits. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Haven’t been to Disney’s Epcot in a while? It looks totally different
If you haven’t been to Epcot in a while, Walt Disney World’s second-oldest theme park has had some work done. A park known for its focus on modern ingenuity and a world’s fair-type showcase announced in 2018 that it would be spicing up the mix. Boy has it ever. After a number of kid-friendly additions over the last few years, big construction walls that have been up for four years came down on Tuesday to reveal the park’s biggest transformation since it opened 40 years ago.
› Florida lawmaker has proposed eliminating local business taxes; Volusia County already has
For many communities across the state, local business taxes provide more than revenue for local governments. The data collected helps planners ensure that businesses are operating within proper zoning, fire departments know when a safety inspection for a new business is needed and economic development departments keep track of what's opening and what's closing. But a lawmaker whose family runs a small marina business in Southwest Florida has filed a bill taking aim at local business taxes.
› Orlando dad helps people with autism enjoy Orlando Magic games
Jason Eichenholz, a local tech entrepreneur who co-founded a company now valued at over a billion dollars, knew most families couldn’t access corporate suites. He also knew that many nights, these glass viewing rooms sat empty. So, he started Events With Jonathan. Orlando Magic corporate suite owners gift their suites to this program, which then hosts organizations across Central Florida that serve people with disabilities. This step is one of many recent efforts to make Central Florida more inclusive.
› Miami-Dade Innovation Authority opens 2nd public challenge: Improving the MIA experience through tech innovation
How can Miami International Airport better serve its residents and visitors? How can technology improve the passenger and worker experience at MIA, one of the nation’s business airports and the county’s top economic engine? The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority is a nonprofit brings together local government and technology companies to improve the quality of life for Miami-Dade County residents.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Capital goals: Flagler College and Jacksonville University raising $275 million
‘Tis the season to raise money at two of Northeast Florida’s institutions of higher learning, with Jacksonville University and Flagler College in St. Augustine currently conducting comprehensive capital campaigns. Neither campaign is focused on a single project. Instead, both intend to raise money to support future developments and enhancements to curriculum, student opportunities and community impact.
› Fort Pierce or Stuart? Brightline's station pick turns on one question
Will Brightline's first -- and perhaps only -- Treasure Coast station be in Martin or St. Lucie County? It's a question that's been on lots of people's minds since Brightline launched its passenger train service between West Palm Beach and Orlando in September. Even some local residents who aren't happy about having Brightline trains zipping through their neighborhoods see the benefit in having a station nearby so they could actually use the service.
› Blue Origin virtual-reality capsule exhibit opens at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Orange flames began billowing below the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket capsule, which shook as it started slowly ascending above the arid, brown West Texas desert stretching across the horizon outside the window. "We have liftoff. New Shepard has cleared the tower," a voice announced. This immersive, colorful first-person scene unfolds within a pair of white goggles inside a replica six-astronaut capsule now on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
› Tampa Bay hotels deck the halls and the lobbies
There are string lights on the palm trees, the holidays are here. As snowbirds flock to Florida, taking in sunset views and milder weather, local hotels are welcoming guests with festive flair. The displays range from a rooster statue dressed in holiday style in Ybor to a Santa sand sculpture steps from the Clearwater Beach shoreline.