Florida workers' comp rates could dip
Florida businesses could see a slight decrease in workers’ compensation insurance rates in 2025, continuing a series of years of lower rates. The National Council on Compensation Insurance, which makes rate filings for the industry, submitted a proposal Friday to regulators that would lead to an overall 1 percent rate decrease, effective Jan. 1. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida gas prices are changing. What about holiday travel?
Gas prices are going down in Florida. But will the pattern stick around as we travel for Labor Day? “Floridians planning to hit the road for Labor Day weekend are likely to find the lowest gas prices for the holiday weekend in three years,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said. Prices across the state dropped 2 cents a gallon as of Monday, according to AAA. [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida agency postpones meetings about state park plans due to ‘overwhelming interest’
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection planned to hold the meetings around the state Tuesday afternoon for the public to comment on its designs to add golf courses, 350-room lodges, pickleball courts, disc golf courses and more to nine state parks. The short notice and timing of each meeting drew swift pushback from former park officials and environmental groups who argued the agency was trying to limit the public feedback-gathering process. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
FWC's annual Florida Python Challenge sees year-over-year dip in participation
This year's Florida Python Challenge officially ended at 5 p.m. on Sunday (Aug. 18). It marked the end of another 10-period where the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invited the public to hunt the invasive snake and be eligible for cash prizes. According to FWC spokesperson Lisa Thompson, who works for the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, there were 857 registrants for this year's challenge, down from 1,050 in 2023. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Amendment 3: Will pot legalization spark a stoned driving epidemic in Florida?
As Florida voters consider legalizing marijuana in November, opponents are painting a scary picture of what might happen: an epidemic of stoned driving that will make the state’s roads more dangerous and deadly. But the research from other states that have legalized pot isn’t conclusive, and backers of Amendment 3 argue treating the drug like alcohol — making it legal but regulated — will make Floridians safer. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tampa Bay jails are over capacity. Is a change in bail law the reason?
The Pinellas County jail has become so crowded in recent months that deputies have run out of regular beds and been forced to provide hundreds of mattresses held a few inches from the ground by plastic frames. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said he hasn’t seen crowding like this in more than a decade. He pointed to a state bail reform law, saying the jail population has climbed steadily since January after the bill went into effect.
› Top book cities in the United States? Pensacola is No. 4
Explore.com has listed Pensacola as No. 4 in the nation on its list of "Top Cities for Book Enthusiasts." Miami was the next Florida city listed, ranking 17. The top three cities for book enthusiasts were Lancaster, Pennsylvania; New York City; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The city boasts 3.91 bookstores and 3.16 libraries per 10,000 residents, creating a vibrant literary landscape.
› The same day Broward leaders pledge to rein in spending, sheriff tells them to pony up more
Hours after Broward County officials pledged to “never ever” give Sheriff Gregory Tony free rein on a spending project again after his training center came in millions of dollars over budget, the sheriff fired back with an email that the “haphazard” monies he’s getting for other projects were inadequate.
› Orlando tourism industry hits record-high $92.5B economic impact
The Central Florida travel and tourism industries reached a record $92.5 billion in economic impact for 2023, up 5.6% from the previous year's $87.6 billion, according to Visit Orlando. Orange County on Jan. 23 voted to reduce tourist development tax funding for Visit Orlando by $15 million, starting in fiscal-year 2025. Visit Orlando currently gets 30% of the county's hotel tax revenue each year.
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› Still short on bus drivers, Orange schools offer bonuses that could top $18,000
Orange County school bus drivers could earn up to $18,800 a year in bonuses, as Central Florida’s largest school district continues to combat an ongoing driver shortage. The district still needed about 100 bus drivers when the second week of the new school year began Monday. With so many positions open, school bus drivers double up on routes, and students regularly wait on campus about 30 minutes after the bell rings for buses to pick them.
› With new state law looming, Fort Lauderdale debates idea of homeless parking lots
Imagine homeless people sleeping in cars on the roof of the City Hall parking garage after hours in downtown Fort Lauderdale, with a security guard on night watch. The idea was offered up by Commissioner John Herbst this week as city officials across the state scramble to find solutions before a new Florida law goes into effect on Oct. 1.
› SRQ airport wins $40M aircraft manufacturer project
A global designer and manufacturer of aircraft, simulators and cutting-edge systems for pilot training is set to bring a new manufacturing and sales facility to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. On Monday, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority will make an announcement about a new commercial partnership at SRQ.
› EverBank announces collaboration with Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will not only play his home games at EverBank Stadium, he will also bank with the financial institution whose name is on the building. EverBank announced Aug. 22 that Lawrence will serve as its brand ambassador. Lawrence will be the focus of nationwide marketing campaigns for EverBank, the bank said in a news release.