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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
How a Supreme Court social media case from Florida could alter life online
The US Supreme Court is set to make a pivotal decision about what Americans can see on social media as it takes up two cases this week that could transform the internet as we know it. On Monday, the court will consider arguments on whether to give Texas and Florida significantly more control over social media platforms and their content, highlighting the central role that those services now play in modern American life. More from CNN, USA Today, Politico, and the Wall Street Journal.
Florida's gambling deal with Seminole Tribe estimated to bring in $4.43 billion
A gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida is estimated to bring in $4.43 billion for the state through the 2028-2029 fiscal year, according to a report issued this week by state economists. The deal, reached by the state and the tribe in 2021, allows the Seminoles to offer online sports betting statewide and craps and roulette at tribal casinos. In exchange, the tribe agreed to pay a portion of revenues to the state. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Commentary: As space travel becomes more commercial, Florida must keep up
Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen a rapid commercialization of the space industry. In fact, the industry has grown by more than 60% and is valued at more than $465 billion. By 2040, it is expected to reach $1 trillion. This commercialization presents immense economic opportunity for the state of Florida. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Poll: Florida voters trust election officials, love early voting
Florida voters say they trust their local election officials and that they want more early voting options. The Tyson Group asked 1,000 likely General Election voters whether they trusted local poll workers and their elected county Supervisor of Elections and three-quarters said yes. The pollster found similar levels of support for allowing early voting in all elections (76%), including local and municipal contests, and providing at least 10 days of early voting (72%). [Source: Florida Politics]
Why a clean energy giant based in Florida is battling a green project in New England
The United States’ top developer of green energy has spent nearly six years undermining a project vital to generating clean power in New England — a stance critics say belies the company’s branding as a leader in the fight against climate change. Florida-based NextEra Energy has fought to block a transmission line for Canadian-generated hydropower by opposing it at two state supreme courts, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the ballot box — twice. [Source: Politico]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Fort Lauderdale braces for big crowds now that Miami Beach is ‘breaking up’ with spring break
Miami Beach is on a mission to send spring break packing — and that has Fort Lauderdale worried that the chaos and violence that have rocked South Beach during the annual rite of passage might make its way to Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale officials say they are well aware of the extreme measures Miami Beach is taking to crack down on the college holiday, including shutting down public garages and parking lots in its very own entertainment district.
› Tourism on the rise in North Central Florida
According to Visit Gainesville, travel and tourism are crucial for the health of the Alachua County economy. Tourism is Florida's primary industry. As international tourism continues to rebound, north central Florida remains a top choice for travelers, offering a warm welcome and abundant opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
› ‘Super unusual’ fish kill is reported in Lower Keys. Stingrays are seen ‘swimming upside down in circles.’
More than a dozen endangered sawfish have turned up dead in the Lower Keys in recent weeks amid an unusual fish kill that has also included goliath grouper, tarpon, stingrays and dozens of other species found dead or behaving erratically. Early testing has so far ruled out harmful water conditions like low oxygen, temperature or salinity, but did detect elevated levels of a toxic algae found in ciguatera.
› Tampa City Council meetings take on unruly tone
Tampa City Council chairperson Guido Maniscalco has been banging his gavel a lot lately, which isn’t characteristic for the mild-mannered council member, and hasn’t been typical in council meetings in the past. The reason: disruptive incidents, usually from the audiences, which Maniscalco says have become more unruly recently, but on at least one occasion from feuding council members.
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