Wave expected to become Tropical Storm Ernesto. See how it could affect Florida
A week after Hurricane Debby made landfall on Florida's Big Bend, a new tropical storm is expected to develop in the Atlantic. Potential Tropical Cyclone Five is expected to become a tropical depression later today or tonight and Tropical Storm Ernesto as it approaches the Leeward Islands, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. More from the Daytona Beach News Journal and WWsb.
Healthy coral found off Florida’s coast encourages researchers
Researchers shared encouraging news about an underwater treasure in South Florida. The findings are not only beneficial to life under the sea but for us as well. Researchers call the findings a marine miracle. “We went out and looked at the coral and found out there was a really good diversity of coral, and the coral looks really healthy,” said Mike Terrell with Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society. More from WSVN and the AP.
Here’s how Hurricane Debby might affect the rest of Florida’s scallop season
Jeff Vickers was pulling buckets and buckets of scallops out of the gulf with customers who had chartered his boat during this year’s summer season. “This year was the best scallop season I’ve ever seen out here, personally,” Vickers said. But that kind of success snorkeling for scallops along the coast could ebb soon, with Hurricane Debby possibly taking some of the blame. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Fact Check: If passed, would recreational marijuana tax money benefit Florida schools?
According to a report from the Florida Financial Impact Estimating Conference released in July of 2023, recreational marijuana will generate sales tax revenue of between $195 million and $431 million a year in Florida. These sales tax dollars would mostly go to the state, just like any other sales tax. However, there’s currently no plan to direct the money to any specific use. [Source: News 4 Jax]
Florida's migrant workers can be extremely vulnerable to natural disasters
Local governments and agencies provide crucial updates for residents during the hurricane season. But migrant farmworkers often have trouble accessing that information and seeking out aid after disaster strikes. A study from the Natural Hazards Center, authored by University of Florida researchers, shows that this community is almost invisible to government agencies providing disaster aid and relief. [Source: WFSU]
Florida's Specialty Hospitals for Children: Advancing pediatric cancer care in Florida
Florida is the third-largest state in terms of pediatric population and accounts for 6% of all new pediatric cancer cases in the United States. Yet Florida does not have a top 25 ranked pediatric cancer program and has only one top 50 ranked program, as based on U.S News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals’ pediatric cancer center rankings, which are specifically focused on childhood cancer. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› As flood waters swallow neighborhoods, frustrated Sarasota residents blame development
Flood waters along Phillippi Creek were not all that spilled over as a tropical system pounded the region with historic rains. Frustration and outrage accompanied posts with devastating photos of flooded neighborhoods on social media in the days that followed Debby's deluge. Post after post on Facebook blamed "overdevelopment" and the local officials who "allowed" it to happen.
› Major Disney World expansion to add lands for villains, Pixar’s ‘Cars’
It’s official. A villains land is being built at Magic Kingdom, the Walt Disney Co. confirmed Saturday night. It will be the largest expansion in its 53-year history. “This land will be home to the villains that you know and those that you loathe, which means happily ever after,... it may feel like just a distant dream,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences.
› Downtown Fort Lauderdale has added more jobs — and uses a formula to lure workers
In the past year, downtown Fort Lauderdale has added about 3,200 jobs, a 5% increase since 2023, according to the DDA. Matthew Schnur, research and innovation manager with the agency, said the growth is impressive, especially with worries about the national economy.
› Veterans trade volunteer hours for college education at this Orlando nonprofit
Tucked near the back of the Metro Place Apartments, in what looks like the former complex clubhouse, you’ll find Soldiers To Scholars. The nonprofit gives veterans, who have either exhausted or want to save their VA Educational Benefits, an opportunity to have their college tuition paid for in exchange for volunteering.
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› Whataburger CEO: 'Florida's already a great market for us'
Whataburger CEO Ed Nelson was impressed by the bustle of downtown Tampa on a Friday morning. Even in brutal humidity, he watched people jog and walk their dogs on the Tampa Riverwalk. Nelson, who was in Tampa to announce Whataburger's expansion there with a food truck event at Lykes Gaslight Square Park, said the activity bodes well for his company's plans.
› In this Florida town of 1,000, council candidates squabble over who lives within borders
A council member running for reelection in the little town of Medley is demanding that a judge put an end to another candidate’s electoral bid for not abiding by the town’s residency requirements laid out in its charter. The election for mayor and two of the town’s four other council seats is scheduled for Nov. 5. Since the town of Medley is not divided into voting districts, the top two vote-getters for council win the seats.
› With the future secured, Rays make plans, prepare to break ground
The Tampa Bay Rays plan to move forward with the team's new stadium and the 86-acre redevelopment around it after years of trying to work out a deal that would keep the team in town for the long term. While the groundbreaking is later than the team expected, official are confident that it can be completed in time for he 2028 season.
› Orlando’s Junior League elects first Black president in nearly 80-year history
Most teenagers don’t spend their free time collecting trash or calling bingo for the elderly. But Angela White-Jones was raised to volunteer, so she helped clean up her neighborhood and did an unpaid stint at an assisted living facility. “They took their bingo very seriously,” she said. As an adult, her passion for volunteering remains, and it led her to the Junior League of Greater Orlando, a 77-year-old club dedicated to public service.