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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Report: Florida received 58 cents for every dollar spent on tourism marketing
State officials say Florida’s tourism marketing organization, Visit Florida, returned only 58 cents for every dollar spent on it in 2023. The report by the Office of Economic and Demographic Research found that Visit Florida’s public marketing during fiscal years 2019-22 generated a positive 0.58 return on investment. According to the report, the return on investment for fiscal years 2019-22 was much lower than the previous two reports that covered 2016-19 and 2013-2016. [Source: The Center Square]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida Icon: Suzanne Lewis
Suzanne Lewis is the first female superintendent of eight national parks, including Yellowstone and Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve in Jacksonville. She tells us: "There were times as a park ranger when the situation got a little dicey, being in very rugged terrain or on really steep trails on horseback. You need to have your wits about you and a respect for wildlife. It helps you learn to be comfortable and knowledgeable out there." [Source: Florida Trend]
Save on hurricane, back-to-school supplies, more: Here’s when these 2024 Florida tax holidays are in effect
Consumers, homeowners and businesses are set to benefit the most from a tax cut plan that will save taxpayers an estimated $914 billion over two years, after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 7073. The largest chunk of the package is the elimination of insurance premium taxes for homeowner and flood policies over the next two fiscal years. More from Florida Politics, Florida Phoenix, and Click Orlando.
Hurricane Idalia gifted Florida with a flock of flamingos
Flamingos began popping up along Florida’s Gulf coast after Hurricane Idalia, which dropped off the colorful birds it picked up in Cuba and the Yucatan peninsula. According to Audubon Florida, the flamingo population dwindled in the 19th century due to poaching for their feathers. It’s likely the current population will grow if they can find the right place to mate. More from WFLA and WGCU.
Boeing Starliner astronaut launch delayed until at least May 17
A pair of NASA astronauts were ready to go, but a single valve caused a scrub of their ride on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner on Monday night. The next shot to fly won’t be until at least May 17. “I know everybody was eager to see a launch,” said NASA’s Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of the Space Operations Mission Directorate during a Monday night news conference after the scrub. ” … But all I want to say first is that good things are worth waiting for, and we’ll get a chance to see that rocket and spacecraft lift off the pad here soon.” More from the Orlando Sentinel and Florida Today.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Baptist Health settles with Justice Department over Medicare costs
Jacksonville’s Baptist Health System Inc. will pay the federal government $1.5 million after self-reporting that its subsidiaries offered Medicare patients discounts that the U.S. Justice Department said violated a law against kickbacks, the department reported Monday. The health system, which operates hospitals and emergency centers across Northeast Florida, “took significant steps entitling it to credit for cooperating with the government’s investigation,” the agency said.
› Brightline trims South Florida rides as it sees more profit in Orlando
Brightline, unable to accommodate many of its Orlando passengers, is eliminating a popular $10-per-ride monthly pass program for South Florida commuters and has already begun reducing the number of seats available for purchase on short trips between Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
› North Miami Beach expo will connect small business owners with resources
On Wednesday, the third annual North Miami Beach Small Business Summit & Expo will provide local businesses with resources and opportunities to expand their reach. The expo will be held at North Miami Beach City Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “This is an idea I came up with three years ago,” said Commissioner Daniela Jean. “It’s important for me to champion it all of these years because small business is the backbone of our community.”
› St Petersburg YMCA could be transformed into mixed-use development
Retail, apartments and more could be added to the site of the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA in St. Petersburg if the city approves a plan to redevelop more than 4.5 acres on it’s 11-acre property. The project, dubbed “Whitney Village”, will be headed up by local firm, Blake Investment Partners, and South Carolina-based Greystar Real Estate Partners.
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