Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida's constitutional amendments: The other four
Abortion and marijuana dominate attention over six constitutional amendments on November's ballot. The other four also could change Florida in big ways. Those four amendments won’t attract the millions of dollars in donations to drive ad buys like Amendments 3 (marijuana) and 4 (abortion) — and they don’t push buttons anywhere near as hot, but they do stand to change how public schools are governed, how statewide political campaigns are financed, the value of your homestead exemption and whether the right to hunt and fish in Florida could be challenged. [Source: Florida Trend]
See also:
» Political engagement among Floridians is pretty mediocre, new study finds
Why flesh-eating bacteria is on the rise in Florida
People in coastal areas of Florida impacted by the recent hurricanes have something else to worry about — flesh-eating bacteria. Known as Vibrio vulnificus, the bacteria occurs naturally in warm coastal waters, but its concentrations can rise with heavy rain and flooding. More from WFLXand WSVN.
Florida roofers wary of lower workers' comp rates
Pointing to issues such as heavy demand for repairs after hurricanes and an increase in young, inexperienced workers, a roofing-contractors industry group argued against lowering workers’ compensation insurance rates for roofers. Leaders of the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association urged state regulators to freeze the roofing industry’s rates, rather than approve a decrease that would take effect in 2025. [Source: News Service of Florida]
More than 20 states join Florida National Guard for Hurricane Milton recovery efforts
The Florida Guard is working throughout the state on several mission sets, and was concentrated on debris removal, route clearance and commodity distribution. More than 20 states from around the country, and as far away as Alaska, have sent forces to help in what could have been a Category 5 “worst case scenario.” These states committed Guardsmen and equipment to aviation, route clearance, engineering, search and rescue, and general purpose missions. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Once grand luxury ocean liner to become majestic artificial reef off Florida
Officials in Florida's Panhandle predict the transformation of the former glamour cruise liner SS United States into a sunken artificial reef will be a major boost for the region's eco-tourism industry. After a years-long legal battle over its future at Pier 82 in Philadelphia, where it has been docked since 1996, the ship was officially signed over to Okaloosa County. [Source: UPI]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› MLB ‘hopeful’ of Rays finding interim home in the Tampa Bay area
Major League Baseball’s initial preference is to keep the Rays playing in the Tampa Bay area pending full assessment of the damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton. Discussions and decisions to address that issue will follow official evaluations of the damage and estimates on the cost/insurance coverage and timeline to do repairs — including replacing the roof — on the stadium that is slated to be demolished after the 2027 season as the Rays move into a planned new stadium on an adjacent site.
› Naples mayor suggests pausing development, prompting outcry
Five months after settling a lawsuit accusing city of Naples of enacting an illegal moratorium, Mayor Teresa Heitmann suggested the city put a pause on further development until it adheres to state law. The discussion on Oct. 16 came minutes before City Council formalized that settlement, which allows Aspen, Colorado-based M Development to proceed with modified plans to redevelop a 4.32-acre parcel that’s considered the gateway to downtown.
› Orlando nightclubs' lawsuit vs. city alleges 'tirade' and 'retaliation'
A close read of a complaint filed in September in federal court against the city of Orlando and Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith revealed serious allegations by the plaintiffs of unconstitutional behavior on the part of the city's leaders. Three Orlando companies affiliated with several downtown nightclubs filed the lawsuit against the city and Smith, challenging the city’s After Midnight Alcohol Sales Permit ordinance.
› Brazilian firms target South Florida
Brazilian firms are targeting the South Florida regions to operate their businesses, as they look for opportunities that they wouldn't get in their own country. According to a report from the state's commerce organization, SelectFlorida, Brazil ranks as Florida's second-biggest Latin America investor. Also, more than 100 Brazilian firms operate 115 locations in The Sunshine State.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Orlando nonprofit pitches affordable housing for low-income seniors
An Orlando nonprofit that offers free medical care, discount groceries and other services to low-income residents suffered a collapsed roof this summer and now says its rotting, 80-year-old building must be replaced. United Against Poverty, which is on pace to serve more than 13,000 people this year, has a plan: Sell off some of its property in south Orlando to a developer who will build affordable housing for low-income senior citizens and then use the profits to build a new facility.
› Attention Kmart shoppers. Florida home to last remaining store in US
Attention Kmart shoppers! If that phrase brings back nostalgic yearnings to head to a blue light, there's a bit of good news for Florida residents. But just a small bit. The Sunshine State is home to the last — albeit small — Kmart in the United States. Kmart closed its last full-sized store in Bridgehampton, New York, Sunday, Oct. 20.
› September single-family home sales fall 17.7% in Northeast Florida
Single-family home sales fell 17.7% in September as the inventory of available homes continues to build, according to a Northeast Florida Association of Realtors report. NEFAR tracks home sales and trends in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
› Third Lake Partners founder to exit firm at year's end
One of Tampa’s most prominent executives plans to exit the investment services firm he co-founded. Ken Jones, who founded Third Lake Partners in 2019 with Robert Forsythe, said Friday that he plans to sell his ownership interests in the firm at the end of the year. Jones said he will remain an investor in Third Lake Partners.