Lab-grown meat is banned in Florida, but local ranchers worry it could still hurt their business
Garfield Jarrett is a military veteran, who after serving overseas returned to school and learned about a veteran farm program from Florida International University. Jarrett says there’s about 24 cows in one pasture at a time, and it takes about 2 years before the consumer can enjoy the meat. He says that grass-fed beef makes up more than half of his income. But his money-maker could potentially see some unlikely competition in the future: man-made meat. [Source: WTVJ]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Building on Tradition
The Annie Pfeiffer Chapel is the centerpiece of the Florida Southern College campus in Lakeland. The flagship building was the brainchild of Frank Lloyd Wright, the American architect behind 20th century landmarks such as New York City’s Guggenheim Museum and Pennsylvania’s Fallingwater house. Soon, Wright’s legacy in Lakeland won’t just live on through his iconic buildings. Come fall 2025, it will extend to Florida Southern’s new architecture program. [Source: Florida Trend]
Federal judge blocks Florida law requiring deeper financial disclosure for local officials
Up until last year, city officials had only been responsible for filing a Form 1, a less rigorous form of disclosure. But the law in dispute brought them in line with the disclosures of legislators, Cabinet members, county commissioners, district school board members and other constitutional officers. It’s called a Form 6. And under it, those state and constitutional officers have to specify their net worth, their assets and liabilities over $1,000, and itemize every source of income above $1,000. According to a federal judge, the law violates the First Amendment rights of elected municipal officials and candidates. [Source: WUSF]
DeSantis signs controversial bill allowing bears to be shot by property owners in self-defense
The bill about bears (HB 87) provides a sort of stand-your-ground defense for people who shoot bears to defend themselves or property. But with bear hunting long a controversial issue in Florida, opponents of the bill said it would lead to increased deaths of the once-threatened animals. Opponents said they will consider legal action to try to halt the law, which is scheduled to take effect July 1. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Tampa ranks among most competitive apartment rental markets in the U.S.
According a recent RentCafe, only 6.6% of apartments in Tampa were available for rent at the start of the rental season, and 65.4% of apartment dwellers renewed their leases (up from 63.5% since this time last year), making apartment hunting a challenge. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› A new Florida law allows spouses to live in veterans' care facilities
Spouses of military members can now live in veterans’ care facilities. A newly signed law, which will go into effect July 1, will put spouses fifth in the priority order of admission. Veterans with peacetime service are fourth.
› Florida Trend Exclusive
New orbit: University of Florida to open Jacksonville satellite campus
When plans for the University of Florida to open a West Palm Beach satellite campus bogged down in 2022, then-Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry saw opportunity.
› Report: SeaPort Manatee sees 5-year surge in exports
Exports have increased by 231.55% over the past five years and increased by 11.6% in the last year, officials say.
› South Florida boasts 17 millionaire cities. But the title comes with a catch, residents say
Every year, Zillow comes out with a report of the amount of millionaire cities in the United States. This year, there are 550 in the country, and 32 of them are in Florida — Seventeen of them are in South Florida.
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› Locally-acquired case of dengue fever reported in Hillsborough County
Health officials say the disease was acquired locally, meaning it was likely transmitted through a mosquito bite.
› Hooters of America closes South Florida Ave. Lakeland location
The Hooters in south Lakeland, Florida, appear to have abruptly and permanently closed today, Sunday, June 23, 2024, with no notice to employees.
› After Florida blocked local heat standards, federal officials tout national efforts
On Monday, U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su visited Broward County to talk about an upcoming proposal by the Department of Labor that would create a national heat standard.