Florida electric bills skyrocketed recently. Here’s why.
Two decades ago, natural gas surpassed coal as the No. 1 fuel burned to create electricity in Florida, and its use has taken off since. Now 74% of the state’s electricity is generated from natural gas — nearly twice the national average. As a result, Florida produces less electricity from coal and renewable sources than many other states. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
SunRail 10 years in: Will a $4 billion expansion pay off for Central Floridians?
Inaugural day for SunRail on May 1, 2014 was mobbed with 10,000 curious riders who overwhelmed the train’s schedule. Considering SunRail’s tumultuous first decade, that chaotic and delay-plagued opening — with free admission and a carnival atmosphere at crowded stations — was a success. The little Central Florida commuter train has faced its share of perils since then, including unfriendly politics, the loss of riders to the pandemic and withering criticism as a waste of tax dollars. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Pharmaceuticals take off as a top Miami export
As Miami International Airport continues to grow its cargo, pharmaceuticals fly high among its top commodities. “Over the last, I want to say three, four years, we’ve had… [about] four straight record-breaking years in just cargo overall,” said Ralph Cutié, director of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. More from Miami Today.
How big is tourism to Brevard County? $4.6 billion in economic impact, 38,000 jobs
A new study indicates that tourism pumps about $4.6 billion a year into the Space Coast's economy through such things as visitor spending and tourism industry employee wages. Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis said it's a big jump from pre-COVID-19 numbers, and reflects the strength of the industry. The numbers also reflect increased prices for such things as lodging and restaurant meals since then. More from Florida Today.
Sticker shock in Fort Lauderdale: Tunnel Top Plaza cost taxpayers close to $13 million
The artificial turf zone along Las Olas known as Tunnel Top Plaza cost taxpayers nearly $12.7 million — an extra $2 million more than expected. City officials hoped the pricey addition would transform the area that sits atop the U.S. 1 tunnel into a trendy gathering spot. But some residents, including the mayor, are less than impressed with the current bunker-like look. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Out of the Box
Would you travel aboard an electric plane? This Florida pilot is on a mission
Miguel Iturmendi is taking an electric plane to new heights. Last June, he flew the Helios Horizon plane 16,300 feet over Lake Tahoe, breaking the world altitude record for an electric plane weighing less than 500 kilograms, or about 1,100 pounds. He looked out the cockpit window, admired the magnificent lakes and mountain peaks and tried not to get too excited. Iturmendi and the rest of the Helios Horizon team, which is based in Manatee County on Florida’s Gulf Coast, are still making progress.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Event
Tampa’s Riverfest returns for 2024: Here’s a guide to the big event
This weekend brings the annual Riverfest to Tampa’s iconic Riverwalk. And what might be most remarkable is that this is only the eighth year for this celebration. In the span of just a decade, the makeup and vibe of downtown Tampa have been transformed by a linear park that invites people to stroll, bike, skate and linger on 2.6 miles of pathway along the Hillsborough River.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.