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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
› New self-storage places flood Florida. Here’s which city saw the most in 2023
No, it’s not your imagination. Self-storage facilities are going up everywhere. According to Storage Cafe.com, there are more than 50,000 facilities in the U.S. By comparison, there are more than 17,000 Starbucks locations, and more than 28,000 Dunkin Donuts locations. In fact, there is one business with more facilities in the U.S., and it probably won’t shock you. The International Car Wash Association estimates there were more than 62,000 car washes in the U.S. in 2020.
› With Orlando link, Brightline revenues and riders jump
Since launching its long-distance services from Miami to Orlando in September, Brightline is reporting strong and accelerating ticket revenue and ridership. For December, ticket revenue was $12.4 million, an increase of $8.7 million or 233% from December 2022, according to Brightline’s recent revenue and ridership report.
› Dolphin drives $32 million Clearwater aquarium upgrade
You’d be hard pressed to argue that the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Pinellas County wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for a single dolphin. Yes, the facility on Windward Passage in the city’s Island Estate’s neighborhood is internationally known, it draws millions of visitors every year and is a leader in the conservation of sea life. But the reality could have been different were it not for the rescue of that dolphin at Mosquito Lagoon near Cape Canaveral Dec. 10, 2005.
› Amid complaints, city working to address growing homeless encampment in downtown Gainesville
Gainesville Police Department Public Information Officer Brandon Hatzel said Tuesday that the department is aware of the encampment and that they have received complaints. He also said that officers have been dispatched to the area in the past. "We are working with our community partners to best address the situation," he said.
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