Florida barred heat protection for workers, now Feds are stepping in
The Biden administration is moving forward with a proposal that would require heat protections for workers across the country, after Gov. Ron DeSantis this spring signed a controversial law barring Florida local governments from imposing such requirements on businesses. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Tuesday released a proposed rule that would require employers to provide such things as water and rest breaks when temperatures top certain thresholds. [Source: News Service of Florida]
We’ve never seen a storm like Beryl. What the Cat 5 hurricane says about a warmer future
Earliest Category 5 in the Atlantic. Earliest Category 4. Strongest June hurricane. Easternmost June hurricane. First system to undergo rapid intensification in the Atlantic in June. All fresh rewrites of a hurricane record book began in 1851. Beryl, only the second named storm of 2024, is an eye-opening start to what forecasters had predicted could be one of the busiest — and scariest — hurricane seasons ever. [Source: Miami Herald]
As Florida's population explodes, new law in effect to protect against moving scams
As more people continue to relocate to Florida, the legislature took action to protect them and Floridians from moving scams. Florida’s new law requires moving companies to register with the state, provide clear contracts and avoid misleading advertising. It also increases penalties for moving companies that refuse a lawful order to return private possessions to a client. [Source: The Center Square]
Florida traffic fatalities have increased 43% over the past decade
From 2013 to 2023 Florida’s number of traffic fatalities increased 43 percent and it’s fatality rate increased 18 percent, according to a report released today by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit. Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) traffic crash cost methodology, TRIP estimates that fatal and serious traffic crashes in Florida in 2023 caused a total of $103.8 billion in the value of societal harm, which includes $25.8 billion in economic costs and $78.1 billion in quality-of-life costs. [Source: WQCS]
Scientists seek public help to prevent spread of invasive soft coral along Florida’s coast
Scientists urge divers, recreational charters, residents and visitors exploring the waters of South Florida to look for an invasive soft coral species that has been reported on the nearby surrounding shores of Cuba. The invasive pulse corals, a species within the Xeniidae family, are native to the Indo-Pacific and the Red seas. Several species of pulse corals have been discovered growing outside their native range into Hawaii, Venezuela, Cuba and Puerto Rico. [Source: WGCU]
Employers must adapt to new FTC Noncompete Rules
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a significant ruling on noncompete agreements in April 2024. This final rule has major implications for employers across the US, prompting a need to carefully review and adapt their approach to restrictive covenants. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Hurricane Beryl disrupts cruise ships scheduled to depart from Port Tampa Bay
Hurricane Beryl threatens to ruin vacationers’ plans for smooth sailing aboard cruise ships slated to depart from Port Tampa Bay. Cruise line meteorologists are actively monitoring conditions in the Caribbean and making itinerary adjustments, but the situation is fluid.
› Sarasota nonprofit collaboration center opens doors for almost a dozen organizations
A downtown Sarasota building is now the host for a dozen local nonprofits, giving a significant boost to community collaborative efforts. The collaborative effort comes as the Sarasota County Commission grapples with its relationship with local nonprofits, breaking ties with United Way and voting to withhold funding for the Early Learning Coalition as next year’s budget takes shape. Local leaders and advocates have urged the commission to reconsider the cuts.
› MOSH hits $40 million fundraising goal
The Museum of Science and History surpassed its fundraising requirement of $40 million, allowing the museum to focus on its future at the Shipyards. MOSH is gearing up to make the move to the Shipyards near the Four Seasons hotel and Jaguars office building, which are currently under construction. As part of its development agreement with the city, the museum was required to raise $40 million by June 30, which it did.
› PBI sees record 8 million passengers in a year
Between May 2023 and the end of May 2024, Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) had a record-breaking 8,021,505 passengers pass through. This is a 13.875% increase from the pre-pandemic record set in February 2020 and a 0.5% rise from the post-pandemic record set in March 2024.
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› Tampa International Airport welcomes Aeromexico flight
Aeromexico’s first flight into Tampa International Airport landed on Monday afternoon to much fanfare. The new service connecting Tampa Bay to Mexico City was celebrated with Mariachi music, a ballet performance and other traditional treats. Tampa Bay was once Aeromexico’s largest unserved market in the United States.
› Real estate mogul Jorge Pérez donates $10 million Miami Beach condo to charity
Why sign a check for charity when you could sign away your luxury Miami Beach condo? Miami philanthropist couple Jorge and Darlene Pérez donated their One Ocean Avenue condominium to the Miami Foundation, a charitable nonprofit that benefits local community organizations, the foundation announced Monday.
› With architect signed, new Sarasota performing arts center taking shape
While getting to know people in the arts community, local elected officials and dozens of others in Sarasota, Tania Castroverde Moskalenko has had one primary goal in sight since starting her job as the new CEO of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. She was waiting for the Sarasota City Commission to approve a contract with Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the architectural design firm chosen to create the look for a new performing arts center intended to be the centerpiece of the Bay Park project.
› NASA awards UF professor with the Exceptional Public Service Medal
A University of Florida professor has been awarded the Exceptional Public Service Medal (EPSM) from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Jacob Chung, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, received the award in late June. It's among the highest honors bestowed by the NASA Glenn Research Center Awards Office.