Florida faces hectic hurricane season. Can science say who will get hit in coming months?
The bottom line of every preseason hurricane forecast this spring has been sobering, even a little scary. Meteorologists and their computer models all agree that it’s going to be a super busy and perhaps record-breaking season — and that with so many expected storms, it’s very likely that somebody, somewhere is going to get smacked this year. But exactly who and where? [Source: Miami Herald]
Retailers urge Floridians to shop locally during hurricane season, as tax break holiday begins Saturday
The official start to the 2024 Hurricane Season begins Saturday, and part of the ritual of living in Florida during that time is stocking up on hurricane supplies during a sales tax break. The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) is offering tips on how to best prepare for getting through what has often been dubbed as the “Mean Season.” [Source: Florida Politics]
Florida is establishing the ‘Office of Ocean Economy’ at FAU, pushing to advance discoveries
Florida’s new Office of Ocean Economy — a statewide effort to harness public and private research, education, technology and business applications involving water — will be housed at Florida Atlantic University. The effort, which envisions a collaboration among all state universities and businesses, was sponsored by Democratic and Republican state lawmakers from South Florida. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida has most mass shootings in U.S. in 2024
Florida has now seen 16 mass shootings this year, more than any other state in the nation and two more than the Sunshine State saw by this time last year according to the Gun Violence Archive. Florida jumped ahead of the rest last month when there were three mass shootings in three days. Illinois has the second-most mass shootings in 2024 — 14 — after the state saw four mass shootings in eight days. [Source: Florida Times-Union]
Florida voucher program for home-schoolers on pace to at least double this year
A state voucher program that began in the 2023-2024 school year is on pace to double in size — at least — as applications roll in from families who educate children at home and are seeking funds to make a range of purchases. What’s known as the Personalized Education Program provides voucher funds to students who are not enrolled full-time at public or private schools. The program was established through a 2023 law (HB 1) that massively expanded the state’s voucher programs. [Source: News Service of Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tampa freelancers generated over $3B in 2023 revenue
Tampa is among the top of the list for highest freelancer population and revenue growth, according to a new report released today by Fiverr International Ltd. (NYSE: FVRR). The report analyzes multiple data sources (including the U.S. Census Bureau) to rank the top 30 U.S. cities by freelance population, revenue, and services offered.
› Stadium deal puts Jaguars on hook for possible damages if they relocate
A newly released set of draft documents provides additional details about the proposed agreement between the city of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Jaguars to transform EverBank Stadium into the “Stadium of the Future.” On May 28, the city released drafts of the agreements that make up the overall stadium deal, which calls for the city and Jaguars to each contribute $625 million toward construction of the project.
› Miami-Dade tourism bureau reports rising visitor revenues, record growth at travel hubs
For Miami-Dade’s tourism and hospitality industry, 2023 wasn’t just a banner year; it was a record-smashing one. The county last year welcomed more than 27.2 million visitors who spent an estimated $21.1 billion — a 2% increase over the year prior, according to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).
› Clearwater’s public parking in condo bleeds money with limited customers
Twenty years ago, Clearwater officials agreed to buy 100 parking spaces in a Cleveland Street condo, anticipating a downtown revival that would bring throngs of visitors. But a blossoming of downtown restaurants and retail never happened. The parking investment has turned into a money pit for taxpayers as few patrons use the city-owned spaces.
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› Taller buildings could join Jacksonville's skyline with new incentive method
A proposed change in how the city evaluates some requests for incentives might increase the amount of high-rise development downtown, developers say, helping redefine the look of the urban core. At its May 15 board meeting, the Downtown Investment Authority unanimously approved adding 10 years to the timeframe used while calculating the city's return on incentives granted to high-rise buildings.
› Downtown Orlando businesses say the city should get creative to attract more foot traffic
A post on Hamburger Mary’s Facebook Page announced the business' Church Street location will be closing after being in the heart downtown Orlando for 16 years. The business cited changing times and slower foot traffic for the decision, and that is something that other business owners in the area say they have struggled with as well.
› Boca Raton, Coral Gables among hotspots for suburban coworking spaces
The growth of coworking locations in South Florida has outpaced the national average as Boca Raton and Coral Gables emerge as flex space hotspots, a new report stated. According to a report from CoWorking Cafe, there are 144 suburban coworking locations in South Florida, a 9% increase from 2023.
› City of Sarasota orders New College of Florida to stop removing trees from Uplands Preserve
New College of Florida is defying an order from the City of Sarasota to halt the removal of trees from the Uplands Bayfront Preserve as the college continues its efforts to turn the land into athletics facilities. The city posted a stop order at New College’s Uplands property early Saturday morning — which the college defied, city spokesperson Jan Thornburg said.