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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Rapid growth in solar power in Florida to continue in coming years
Three major solar centers — built on land that once supported citrus groves, and cattle and sod farms — are symbolic of the future of energy in Florida, where utilities seek a shift to renewable energy, and away from energy sources that have more volatile price swings. More from the Naples Daily News.
Florida gas prices drift lower after setting 2024 record high last week
The Florida gas price rollercoaster hit a spike last week but evened out by the weekend. Sunday's state average of $3.31 per gallon was one cent more than the week before. According to AAA, two weeks ago the state average jumped 21 cents per gallon. Then last week, the state average fell 5 cents before jumping another 8 cents. By mid-week, the state average reached a new 2024 high of $3.37 per gallon, before falling another 5 cents. Last year's high was $3.85 per gallon. More from CBS News.
Brightline Orlando-to-Miami ridership hits milestone
Brightline's ridership between Orlando and South Florida hit a milestone in January as it continues to provide increased revenue for the intercity passenger train service — something that should help fund new stations and a route to Tampa eventually. There's also the potential for more frequent trips to be added between Miami and Orlando as the ridership continues to grow. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Tallahassee Chamber Economic Forecast points to challenges, opportunities
The Annual Economic Forecast for Leon County shows areas of concern as Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson delivered a reality check for business leaders. Wilson said the idea that 49 out of 100 children aren't ready for kindergarten should be top of mind for not just the School Board but all local elected officials and business leaders. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
What is carbon capture? And why is Hillsborough County looking into it?
Florida politicians have recently debated creative solutions to combat climate change, from electric cars to lab-grown meat. While not as shiny or controversial as other initiatives, carbon capture has shored up increasing political support over the past few years. The idea behind the new technology is to keep carbon dioxide — a common greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming — out of the atmosphere. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
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Florida History
As Orlando Museum of Art celebrates 100 years, a trip back to the beginning
A couple of lines in nondescript type don’t particularly stand out in a 1924 newspaper clipping: “ART ASSOCIATION NOTICE: There will be a meeting at the library on Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock for the purpose of organizing an Art Association. All who can and are interested, please attend.” But those simple sentences paved the way for what today, 100 years later, is the Orlando Museum of Art.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Out of the Box
In on the joke at the first-ever Florida Man Games
They rose up by the dozens from across Florida, caricatured competitors in tank tops and cutoff shorts, for a showdown that treats evading police and wrestling over beer like Olympic sports. Promoted as “the most insane athletic showdown on Earth,” the Florida Man Games poke fun at the state’s reputation for bizarre stories that involve brawling, drinking, gunfire, reptile wrangling and other antics carrying a risk of time in jail or intensive care.
» Read more from the AP, the New York Times, and the Orlando Sentinel.
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