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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Lawmakers look to fix affordable housing act after outcry across state
When Florida lawmakers passed legislation to create thousands of affordable housing units last year, it was considered long-overdue relief for low- and middle-income Floridians. Less than a year later, communities across the state are in uproar. Local officials complain of proposed developments ruining the character of neighborhoods. Some say they’ve lost control of local planning. And the law has allowed developers to avoid millions in local taxes without providing much affordable housing for lower-income residents. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida jobless claims up slightly
First-time unemployment claims in Florida saw a slight increase last week. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 6,023 unemployment applications were filed last week, up from a revised count of 5,887 during the week that ended Jan. 27. Florida has averaged 6,179 claims a week since the start of the year, after averaging 5,774 in 2023. More from the News Service of Florida.
Florida ranked in 10 worst states for dental care. What about overall health care?
Florida recently placed as one of the worst states in the country for dental health on a national rankings list. But on another rankings list that used different metrics to find the states with the best overall health and Florida also somehow placed in the top 15 healthiest. More from Florida Today.
Florida students will see big chances to SAT exams in the spring
Florida teens who are planning to take the SATs will soon notice some changes. Starting in the spring, the test will be 100% digital. Students across the U.S. will take the SATs on a computer using an app called “Bluebook.” The new system will also use “adaptive” testing. That means there will be two parts for the math and reading sections, and their performance on the first part will determine how challenging the second part is. More from WFTV.
Axiom Space astronauts splash down safely off Daytona Beach
The four crew of the Axiom Space Ax-3 mission that launched from Kennedy Space Center last month made a safe return to Earth with a splashdown off the coast of Daytona Beach on Friday but not before sending a sonic boom across Central Florida. Their return marks the completion of the 12th human spaceflight by SpaceX, which launched its first Crew Dragon in May 2020. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Business Beat - Week of February 9th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida Dining
Best pizza: 13 restaurants that serve great slices from all across Florida
Just about anyone from New York will roll their eyes at the mere suggestion that any pizza is better than those found in the Big Apple. But Florida is home to some of the finest pizza parlors, with a variety of pies to please anyone with an open mind and taste buds to try something different.
» Read more from Florida Today.
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