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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida Trend Exclusive
2024 legislative session: On the table in Tallahassee
Food insecurity is defined as lacking access to sufficient food for a healthy, active lifestyle. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of food insecurity in Florida had been going down consistently — dropping from 16.2% in 2020 to 10.6% in 2020, according to the state Department of Health. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average Florida household spends $6,677 on food each year; the state has some of the highest food prices in the nation. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida hemp entrepreneurs say changes will devastate their businesses
On Tuesday, lawmakers in a committee decided to impose restrictions on hemp products and substantially regulate the hemp market in Florida. he measure would make a number of changes to the hemp industry in the state, which has operated legally since 2019, shortly after the passage of the 2018 U.S. farm bill. That bill made hemp production and distribution legal under federal law and allowed states to create such programs. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Proposal would give ex-convicts better shot at employment in Florida
Ex-offenders in Florida could have an easier time gaining work licenses, permits and other certifications after a new bill passed through committee on Monday. Senate Bill 1012 is sponsored by state Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami and would assist ex-offenders in getting a license, permit, or certification for employment. Calatayud stated during the bill's introduction to the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries that the bill protects individuals who happen to have a criminal history from being "blanket denied" by agencies. [Source: The Center Square ]
Florida to sell bonds to strengthen hurricane catastrophe fund
Florida is moving forward with a plan to borrow up to $3.8 billion to bolster a state-operated fund that reimburses property insurers for hurricane-related losses. A report by Bloomberg revealed that the Florida State Board of Administration has made a securities filing indicating its intention to generate a minimum of $1.5 billion through the sale of municipal bonds. [Source: Insurance Business Magazine]
Love it or hate it? Spirit Airlines has given us all sorts of feels through the years
You may know Spirit Airlines for its discount fares and no-frills service. But did you know that the airline with the yellow planes is based in Miramar, in suburban Broward County, with plans for new headquarters among the bars and restaurants and shops of Dania Pointe? [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Freshly christened by Lionel Messi, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas set to get to work
The world’s largest cruise ship welcomed the man many would say is world’s best soccer player to officially christen the vessel with just days left before its first voyage with paying customers. Lionel Messi took the role of godfather for Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas during a ceremony Tuesday on board the behemoth ship within its marquee new feature called the AquaDome, a massive steel-and-glass structure at the top of the ship.
› JaxPort CEO: Additional cruise line aiming for Jacksonville
A second cruise line hopes to begin offering service from Jacksonville soon, JaxPort’s CEO Eric Green says. Speaking to the Jacksonville Port Authority board meeting Jan. 22, Green said the incoming cruise company was seeking board approval to operate from the JaxPort Cruise Terminal.
› A Florida city wants to be the next tourist hot spot. Can this new building be the draw?
After more than 30 years of frustration in efforts to co-locate a hotel with the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto, the payoff is in sight with the planned April opening of the Marriott Palmetto Resort & Spa. The eight-story, 252-room hotel, costing more than $100 million, promises to be a game changer for Palmetto, Bradenton and the entire county, officials say.
› CITY Furniture cuts workforce by 1.5% as inflation continues to nag economy
CITY Furniture, the venerable South Florida-based retailer of home, office and other furnishings statewide, announced Monday it laid off 39 people or 1.5% of its workforce “due to ongoing economic challenges over the last several months.” The company employs 2,600 people statewide.
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