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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
After years of resistance, Florida lawmakers could grow Citizens insurance
For decades, Republican lawmakers and governors have had a singular focus when it comes to Floridians with homes insured by the state-run Citizens Property Insurance: shed those policies. Lately, they’re having a change of heart. As homeowners continue to struggle to find coverage despite years of reforms, legislators this year are moving forward with plans to allow more of them to be covered by Florida’s insurer of last resort. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
GRU Authority holds off on vote over $15.3 million transfer, wants to discuss with city
The Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority board voted unanimously Wednesday night to meet with the city commission to discuss the potential impacts of dramatically reducing the amount of money given from the utility to the general government budget each year. The GSC was decreased by 55.4% for fiscal year 2024, a reduction of $19 million, in order to help pay off some of the $315 million of GRU debt. More from the Gainesville Sun.
MIA’s broken escalators, elevators and walkways spark frustration and a blame game
The escalator would have been a welcome sight for Kathy Jones as she made her way to the main level of Miami International Airport on Thursday, but there was a familiar sight awaiting her: a yellow barricade announcing that it wasn’t working. Feeling the heat from other travelers with similar sentiments, the elected official in charge of the county airport, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava aid aging infrastructure at Miami International Airport is being replaced, while blaming others for MIA’s problems. More from the Miami Herald.
How scientists are using UF's supercomputer
From detecting crop diseases and pests to analyzing decades of hand-written doctor’s notes and medical records, the University of Florida’s supercomputer, known as HiPerGator, is helping researchers push the limits of science. Now in its third year of use, HiPerGator is being put through the paces on more than 800 research projects across all 16 of UF’s colleges, accelerating impactful work that might have previously been unfeasible or even impossible. More from UF News.
For Jacksonville breweries, a time of stout headwinds
Fishweir Brewing Co. co-owners Stacey and Broc Flores will remember 2023 as a year of milestones for the Murray Hill brewery. For all of the feel-good moments for Fishweir, 2023 also generated stiff economic headwinds for it and other small, independent breweries in Jacksonville and across the nation. Inflation, spiking costs of doing business and shifts in consumer spending cut into revenue for independents, resulting in hundreds of American breweries shutting their doors in 2023. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Business Beat - Week of January 19th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Business Profile
Kernel of success: How Disney helped ‘pop’ Orlando business into hit at Magic Kingdom and beyond
In its ongoing dedication to fostering economic growth in Florida, Disney has played a pivotal role in boosting entrepreneurship and job opportunities for over five decades. Currently collaborating with 2,500 local small businesses, the company has been a key driver in sustaining livelihoods and delivering beloved products and services to its millions of guests each year. Among these thriving enterprises is Orlando-based company, Popcorn Junkie.
» Read more from Click Orlando.
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