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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Audit finds overspending, lack of controls with Florida prison industries
An audit of the Florida Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises found a pattern of overspending and a lack of internal controls. The audit also found that even when controls did exist, there was an environment where they could be bypassed. The Florida Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises, Inc., also known as PRIDE, is a non-profit organization that works with the Florida Department of Corrections to operate work programs inside state correctional facilities for inmates. More from the Center Square.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Pitbullish on Jai Alai
Armando Christian Pérez, aka Pitbull — aka Mr. 305 and Mr. Worldwide — has taken an equity ownership role in the World Jai-Alai League operating at the Magic City Casino. The move “is not just business,” he says, “it’s about celebrating Miami’s culture and history. We’re going to redefine the game and reach a new generation of fans.” More from Florida Trend.
SpaceX targets Friday night for record-extending 70th launch this year from Cape Canaveral
Unprecedented: SpaceX's next rocket launch, which is scheduled for late Friday night, will mark the record-extending 70th this year from Cape Canaveral. And afterward — with nine days remaining on the 2023 calendar — will SpaceX send up another orbital launch or two for good measure? More from the Florida Today.
Mayo Jacksonville gifts $5 million for Sulzbacher housing, health care and training plan
Jacksonville's Mayo Clinic has donated $5 million toward Sulzbacher's planned Enterprise Village, a $75.6 million complex that will initially provide affordable housing for single formerly homeless men and health care and job training for the entire community. A later phase will add a manufacturing plant that will offer jobs making modular affordable housing. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Winter storm undid months of Pinellas beach restoration work, officials say
Just as Pinellas County neared the end of its months-long dune restoration project, the severe winter storm last weekend washed away nearly half of its progress on some beaches. Since work on county beaches began in October, about 189,000 cubic yards of sand has been added to reinforce shoreline from Pass-a-Grille to Indian Shores — enough to fill 58 Olympic-size swimming pools. The project has cost about $26 million raised through the county’s tourism development tax. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
PNC building stronger communities through the arts
Tampa Bay’s thriving arts scene offers a variety of entertainment options for its residents and visitors, but these cultural amenities also serve as a catalyst for community well-being and economic growth. PNC, one of the largest diversified financial institutions in the United States, views supporting the arts as an opportunity to build stronger, more vibrant communities. [Sponsored report]
Business Profile
Central Florida snack company Major’s Project Pop puts people over profit
Chauniqua Major, who goes by Major, never really liked the name of her popcorn business, Major’s Project Pop. “For the longest time, I wanted to change the name of the brand because I thought what is a Project Pop, like what is any of that mean? I just created it one day just (because) I needed to come up with a name, so I invented that,” Major said. It wasn’t until later it occurred to her that Major's Project Pop could mean a lot more than popcorn.
» More from Click Orlando.
Health Care Trends
Emergency upgrade
Emergency departments often serve as something of a front door for a hospital. They represent the first impression and experience that many patients will have with the institution. It has been 30 years since Jackson Health System made substantial changes to the emergency department at its flagship Miami hospital. But with a $300-million overhaul underway, the hospital is getting a new front door, with a more modern and open feel that’s in line with other recent upgrades across the system.
» Read more Florida Trend.
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