IRS data shows Florida had the country's biggest population gains
Recently-released migration data from the Internal Revenue Service shows Florida has added 245,334 residents in 2022, the most among states. The total inflow, not adjusted against those leaving the state, was 466,210 in 2022 as 277,527 tax filers with a combined adjusted gross income of $26.6 billion decamped to Florida. [Source: The Center Square]
Hurricane Beryl becomes earliest Cat 5 storm on record
Hurricane Beryl exploded overnight, growing into a Category 5 hurricane with 165-mph winds, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. And it's still intensifying. When it made landfall at 11 a.m. on Carriacou Island Monday, July 1, it was a Category 4 storm with 150-mph winds. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Florida students make ‘substantial gains’ on state tests, new results show
Florida students showed improvement in all key academic subjects this school year, making gains in math and reading as well as science and social studies, according to state standardized test scores released Monday morning. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz praised the “notable” and “substantial gains” made by public school students in the 2023-24 school year as the Florida Department of Education released scores from FAST, a series of standardized exams taken by students in grades 3 through high school. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Campaign launches to defeat Florida abortion rights amendment
Anti-abortion groups launched a campaign Monday to oppose a ballot initiative that would protect abortion rights in Florida, calling the proposal “extreme” and “deceptive.” The effort is getting sizable support from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and two Catholic dioceses, which have given about $105,000 to date to help defeat the Amendment 4 abortion measure in November, although so far they are being vastly outspent by the pro-4 side. More from the South Florda Sun-Sentinel and the Orlando Sentinel.
Efforts to stabilize Florida’s property insurance market remain ongoing
In an attempt to wean homeowners from the state’s property insurer of last resort, Florida will now require thousands of part-time residents and owners of second homes in Southwest Florida to insure those properties through surplus line carriers. There’s a catch, however. HB 1503, which became law July 1, requires the homeowner to purchase the surplus line carrier’s insurance, even if it costs 20% more than what Citizens charges for property insurance. [Source: Gulfshore Business]
Tampa Electric stays ahead of hurricane season and provides 99.98% service reliability with nationally recognized strategies
Hurricane season is upon us, and you may have heard experts forecast an unusually active year. For many Floridians, the six-month period from June 1 through Nov. 30 carries at least a touch of dread. Fears can be eased by preparing in advance. And that is exactly what Tampa Electric does – all year long, in fact – to address that lurking power outage concern that is strong here in Tampa Bay. That’s how Tampa Electric provides 99.98% service reliability in blue skies and gray. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Sarasota biotech firm develops new prototype for treating concussions
A Sarasota medical technology has completed a new prototype. Oragenics created an automated intranasal device for those who have suffered concussions and are in an acute phase of their injury. “We are excited about this new automated technology as it allows us to treat the full range of concussive injuries,” Oragenics President Michael Redmond says.
New Disney cabins open at Disney's Fort Wilderness replacing the iconic log ones
You might remember those Disney Fort Wilderness cabins a Brevard company was selling? The iconic wood cabins were beloved lodging options for Walt Disney World guests for decades. That is, until Disney officials decided it was time to give the Fort an update. Now that some new cabins are in place, the Fort has begun welcoming guests to the new ones.
› 'Job growth' money goes to Panhandle
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday directed more than $12 million to the Panhandle for aviation facilities and to help a planned housing development. Drawing money from the state’s Job Growth Grant Fund, DeSantis allocated $4.4 million to Pensacola State College to expand facilities to train aviation mechanics and $3 million to DeFuniak Springs Municipal Airport.
› Is Publix open on the Fourth of July? What Florida grocery stores are closed on July 4th
July 4th, America's Independence Day is almost here! The Fourth of July falls on a Thursday this year and although some stores will be closed for the holiday, there will be some grocery stores open with modified hours for anyone who needs to grab a last-minute pack of hot dogs.
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› Here's how stadium renovation will affect watching Jags, Florida-Georgia and Gator Bowl
Now that Jacksonville and the Jaguars have clinched a deal for a wholesale stadium renovation, fans will encounter changes during construction that will start after the 2025 season and wrap up by the start of the 2028 season. None of the Jaguars' home games will be played in Jacksonville in 2027.
› Cheers! Exclusive Disney Springs beer celebrates the return of Flavors of Florida
As a local, Jim Greene is very excited about Disney Springs’ newest sip, SunShine Stroll Orange Pilsner — because it’s local, too. The beer’s July 1 release pairs neatly with the return of Flavors of Florida, which offers visitors to the Springs a taste of the Sunshine State. Greene, general manager operations for Disney Springs, hails from Satellite Beach. SunShine Stroll Orange Pilsner, a light and citrusy offering, is custom crafted by Playalinda Brewing Co. from Titusville, an old rival city of Greene’s.
› Naples couple builds $65M animal handling facility at JFK airport
Naples husband and wife John Cuticelli and Elizabeth Schuette, each with long and successful careers in big-money finance, investment and real estate, didn’t consider themselves big animal people for most of their lives. They did have a beloved dog, a Cockapoo named Tucker, who died last year. Yet the couple could be the most unheralded animal lovers in Florida.
› Tighter supply of Ecuadorian dragon fruit ahead of Florida season
The supply of white dragon fruit continues to be sporadic. "It's been like this for the last couple of months. It's been an unusual year and nothing like the year it was before," says Alan Goldberg of A&B Tropical Produce. Indeed, 2022 and 2023 saw an extreme oversupply of the unique fruit that is shipping from Ecuador at the moment.