Exploring the impact of casinos on Florida’s coastal economies
Florida’s coastal regions, celebrated for their stunning beaches and robust tourism sector, have recently experienced a shift with the introduction of casino establishments. These casinos have introduced a new economic dynamic, impacting various aspects of life in these areas. However, the arrival of casinos has also led to some unintended consequences. [Source: New Pelican]
Florida homes owned by corporate investors: 117,000 — and counting
Corporate real estate investors own more than 117,000 single-family homes across Florida, according to a first-of-its-kind analysis in the state by the Tampa Bay Times. Experts say these investors capitalized on the state’s population growth and minimal renter protections. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida reverses energy transition by cranking fossil fuel use
The United States' third most populous state has the country's dirtiest major power system, and looks set to become a stand-out by remaining highly dependent on fossil fuels even as the rest of the nation transitions power systems towards cleaner energy. Fossil fuels generated over 80% of Florida's electricity supplies since the beginning of June. [Source: Reuters]
These Florida hospitals are for sale. Will a dispute over land affect what’s next?
The future of several Florida hospitals owned by a healthcare system in bankruptcy is hanging by a financial and legal dispute. Steward Health Care System, considered to be the largest physician-owned health care network in the country, this week sued Medical Property Trust, one of the largest hospital landlords in the nation. Steward accuses its landlord of “undermining behavior” and tactics jeopardizing the sale of its hospitals. [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida Supreme Court allows state warning about 'costs' of abortion amendment on the ballot
The Florida Supreme Court has turned down a challenge to the latest financial statement for a November ballot measure that would grant a right to abortion access in the state. In a 6-1 opinion, the court ruled against Floridians Protecting Freedom, the groups behind the proposed constitutional amendment, and agreed with the state, which argued the pro-abortion advocates missed their chance to question the statement. [Source: Florida Times-Union]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Port Canaveral reverses cruise expansion plans after state’s alarm over space business
Port Canaveral won’t be pursuing plans for a new cruise terminal after commissioners voted to reverse course in the wake of state officials’ raising an alarm that those plans would harm the space industry. In a Wednesday meeting, the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to drop plans approved in May to build what would have been the seventh cruise terminal at the port in space that currently is a cargo berth on the north side.
› Palm Beach County's dining scene in an unprecedented boom
For decades, and possibly with the exception of the town of Palm Beach, fine dining options across Palm Beach County were slim. Casual dining spots were limited to cookie-cutter concepts like Chilis and TGIFridays, with only a handful of local options. Although chains once dominated the South Florida dining landscape, the last 15 years have yielded the slow and steady growth of a local food scene.
› Interim Orlando Fringe executive director resigns after 6 months
Scott Galbraith, the interim executive director of Orlando Fringe, has resigned months earlier than originally anticipated. His departure comes after a tumultuous few months for the organization, which saw attendance drop at its annual May festival, suffered a flood and air-conditioning problems at its Fringe ArtSpace venue, experienced multiple staff exits, and was blamed by Gov. DeSantis for his veto of arts and cultural funding to nonprofits statewide.
› Tampa Bay Innovation Center talk tackles safeguarding AI creations
The biggest takeaway from a recent talk at St. Petersburg-based Tampa Bay Innovation Center about safeguarding artificial intelligence creations was that strategic use and protection of AI can significantly boost your competitive edge in the market, whether you are a creator, entrepreneur or innovator. However, it also raises questions related to copyright laws, patentability and data ownership.
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› SRQ Airport withdraws land deal from FAA. Where does it now leave New College of Florida?
Faced with likely denial, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has withdrawn a request to the Federal Aviation Authority to approve the sale of land to New College of Florida. New College officials offered $11.5 million to purchase 30.94 acres from the airport for needed renovations at existing buildings and potential sports program facilities.
› City shares new vision for Church Street corridor in downtown Orlando
Downtown Orlando's official social media account shared a peek at the city's future vision for Church Street Station's reimagining. In late July, Orlando Business Journal reported the city's Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency wanted to redesign the historic destination into a "festival street" from the SunRail tracks to Hughey Avenue.
› Boy Scouts in talks to sell 50-acre slice of Brooksville reservation
When businessman Larry DiePolder died in 1978, he left about 1,300 natural acres in Hernando County to the Boy Scouts with explicit instructions. He said the land must never be sold “in any way shape or form” or be used for any commercial purposes, according to his will.
› St. Johns County votes to terminate FCC Environmental Services solid waste contract
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 20 authorized the County Attorney’s Office to begin terminating its contract with FCC Environmental Services over concerns of the performance of its solid waste management services. The board added an emergency item to the agenda to discuss FCC’s service, which led to the board unanimously declaring a local state of emergency and authorizing the contract termination process.