2024 hurricane season outlook just grew bigger: 25 named storms now expected by experts
Colorado State University has updated its hurricane season forecast, calling for a more active season than the already “extremely active” forecast from June. The forecast team there used data collected through the season thus far to adjust its predictions. In nearly every category, forecasters are calling for the seasons to be more robust. More from USA Today, Reuters, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
3 years after Piney Point disaster, Florida settles lawsuit with environment groups
Florida environmental regulators on Monday settled a federal lawsuit with advocacy groups over the 2021 Piney Point wastewater disaster that dumped 215 million gallons of polluted water into Tampa Bay, likely sparking a red tide outbreak that caused widespread fish kills. Five environmental advocacy groups agreed to dismiss their lawsuit against the state once regulators issue a permit aimed to prevent future pollution disasters and lay the groundwork for enforceable oversight at the troubled Manatee County phosphate plant. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
AG Moody ‘cautiously optimistic' at declining number of opioid-related deaths
Attorney General Ashley Moody is “cautiously optimistic” following the release of a report showing fewer drug-related deaths in the first half of 2023. Alcohol was the drug most frequently found in those who died from intoxicants in the period, with 2,957 instances, a 5% drop from the year before, followed by fentanyl, with 2,822 instances, a 10% drop. “This is good news, I am cautiously optimistic we are heading in the right direction,” Moody said, thanking Floridians for listening to those offering help to stay away from, or recover from, drugs. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Rare Florida cactus becomes first US species lost to sea rise
A rare species of tree cactus has gone extinct in Florida, in what is believed to be the first species lost to sea level rise in the United States, researchers said Tuesday. The Key Largo tree cactus (Pilosocereus millspaughii) was restricted to a single small population in the Florida Keys, an archipelago off the southern tip of the state, first discovered in 1992 and monitored intermittently since then. [Source: AFP]
Florida computer outage delays funeral services as death certificates harder to obtain
Floridians are facing delays in obtaining death certificates for deceased loved ones as state officials respond to a potential cyberattack, creating holdups in funeral arrangements and sparking fears of backups of burials and cremations. The state’s electronic system used to issue the records has been offline for over a week, leaving funeral homes scrambling and returning to pen and paper to complete required forms. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Golden Beach bunker a foundation for future
Alexander Diaz remembers the two hurricanes that changed how the coastal town of Golden Beach’s leadership should ride out future storms. The first was Hurricane Irma in 2017. The town’s city manager, Diaz hunkered down at a neighboring condominium because his city had no shelter for Diaz, his chief of police and staff. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Pinellas County transit to receive largest grant to date for electric buses
Pinellas County’s public transit agency will soon add 16 new electric and hybrid buses to its fleet, thanks to a grant from the Federal Transit Administration for $27.8 million. It’s the largest grant the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has ever received through a competitive process, agency spokesperson Stephanie Weaver said.
› Orange County agrees to work with Maitland on SunRail costs
Orange County commissioners agreed Tuesday to continue working with Maitland over how much the city will pay in coming years for operation and maintenance of the downtown SunRail station. Maitland council members unanimously agreed last month to opt out of a contract with the county after learning it would have to chip in up to $281,400 in January — followed by 3% increases annually.
› Clothing manufacturer/retailer moves headquarters from Midwest to Miami
A clothing apparel company recently relocated its headquarters from downtown Minneapolis to Miami's Wynwood Arts District. Coolibar now occupies the entire third floor of the Wynwood Annex Building. Founded in 2001, Coolibar, Inc. produces UPF50+ sun-protective clothing and apparel under the Coolibar, Mott50 and Suntect brands.
› Bay scallop season opens Wednesday in Pasco
Bay scallop season opens Wednesday in the Pasco Zone, which includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in north Pinellas County. The zone also includes all waters of the Anclote River. The season will remain open through Aug. 18.
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› In a summer of sharks, these Florida beaches have seen the fewest shark bites of all time
New Smyrna Beach is the unofficial shark bite capital of the world, Volusia County is the home of more shark attacks than anywhere else in Florida, and our state sees more shark attacks than any other. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville lists 351 unprovoked shark attacks in Volusia County since 1882.
› Benderson grows footprint to 40 states with Montana purchase
An East Manatee County real estate owner, developer and property investor is now in 40 states, thanks to its latest acquisition. Benderson Development acquired a freestanding Walgreens in Missoula, Montana, expanding its national footprint to include the Treasure State. Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.
› Orlando to host top soccer teams from Mexico, Colombia
Orlando will soon host a match between two of South and Central America's top soccer teams. Club América of Liga MX in Mexico and Atlético Nacional of Colombia's Categoría Primera A are set to square off Sept. 7 at Camping World Stadium for the first Soccer iD Cup. Both teams are among the most successful in their respective countries.
› Princess Martha in St. Petersburg, frequented by Babe Ruth, turns 100
It’s a special year for the Princess Martha. The towering red-brick building in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg turns 100. Before the Princess Martha became a 55-and-up community, it opened as a grand hotel on Jan. 4, 1924. While the Princess Martha already commemorated its 100th anniversary earlier this year, the celebration isn’t over yet. Preserve the ‘Burg is throwing a porch party on Thursday evening.