How will cuts to federal weather agencies affect Florida hurricane forecasts?
With another hurricane season almost upon us, it’s unclear how staffing changes may impact the accuracy of weather and hurricane forecasts. But experts are sounding the alarm. They say cuts to weather agencies could endanger people come hurricane season — when precise forecasts save lives. About 550 people have left the National Weather Service, or about 10% of its staff, since government cuts began this year. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
State jobless rate at 3.7 percent
Florida’s unemployment rate increased to 3.7 percent in April, the third time it has ticked up this year. The Florida Department of Commerce on Friday released a report showing an estimated 410,000 people were out of work in April from a labor force of 11.203 million. The 3.7 percent rate was up from 3.6 percent in February and March. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Column: U.S. ports have fallen behind. Florida can move them forward
Consider this: In terms of container port efficiency, U.S. ports don’t even crack the top 25. That lag carries consequences: higher consumer prices, supply chain delays and lost opportunities for American businesses. Worse, it cedes global leverage to others at a time when geopolitical dynamics are already shifting. But what if Florida could be the turning point? [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
State appeals in manatee protection fight
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has gone to a federal appeals court after a U.S. district judge last month ruled that the state has violated the Endangered Species Act as manatees face threats in the Indian River Lagoon. In his April 11 ruling, the judge wrote that under the Department of Environmental Protection’s regulations, it would take at least a decade for conditions in the northern part of the Indian River Lagoon to start to recover. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Scientists rediscover orange tree variety that may be tolerant to greening disease
ARS scientists made a "sweet" discovery that may be important to solving a major problem within the citrus industry. Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, poses a serious threat to the Florida citrus industry. HLB is associated with tree infection by its presumed causal agent Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and is spreading to many citrus-growing areas worldwide. In Florida, HLB has caused about 90% of citrus production losses since it was first detected in 2005. [Source: Phys.org]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida APEX Accelerator receives national Economic Impact Award
The Florida APEX Accelerator has been awarded the prestigious Economic Impact Award by the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX), recognizing its outstanding contributions in helping Florida businesses secure government contracts, create jobs, and fuel economic growth. NAPEX presents the award annually to the APEX Accelerator that has fostered the most significant economic impact.
› City of Gainesville planning special election for referendum on control of GRU
The Gainesville City Commission on May 15 voted 6-1 to have the city attorney prepare for a special election this fall by drafting a reworded ballot amendment that would ask voters once again to decide the fate of the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority. The decision comes after an Eighth Judicial Court judge in April nullified the result of a 2024 referendum that passed overwhelmingly and would have returned power over the city-owned utility back to the commission.
› Central Florida layoffs surge as employers navigate economic uncertainty
The number of Central Florida employees affected by layoffs has grown year-over-year, an indicator of uncertainty in a swath of industries. Local layoff notices filed with Florida in the first four months of the year show 1,900 employees affected locally. That’s up 139.6% from 793 during the same period in the previous year.
› USF debuts resilience video series for high-stress leaders, jobs
The University of South Florida Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education has launched a resilience and self care video series taught by Sarasota resident Bob Delaney, a former undercover law enforcement officer and NBA referee. The series, according to USF, is designed to help “individuals in high-stress professions strengthen their mental wellbeing (and) manage stress and burnout.”
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› Epic Universe set for official debut Thursday: ‘It’s a different world’
Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, the first major theme park development in Central Florida in 26 years. After billions of dollars and eight years of planning and construction, its formal premiere sets a new standard for the 21st century theme park. Rather than transforming the experience, Epic Universe culminates recent trends in immersive surroundings, high-tech thrills, top-quality refreshments, and park-goer spending.
› Silver Airways auction process approved by judge after battered creditors give support
A federal bankruptcy judge in Fort Lauderdale has approved bidding procedures for regional carrier Silver Airways after obtaining lukewarm support from the troubled South Florida company’s leading creditors. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Peter Russin also green-lighted the airline’s critical $5.5 million debtor-in-possession financing for operations from a lender that will also become the “stalking horse” bidder for an auction set for later this month.
› With hurricane season around the corner, Central Florida tree trimmers see a jump in demand
Hurricane season is now about two weeks away, and according to Central Florida tree trimming and removal companies, their services are getting booked up. Currently, companies say the average wait for a tree trimming or removal appointment is two to six weeks. Despite slower times in the winter months, which are ideal for tree trimming, many choose to wait until storm season.
› Sarasota Bradenton airport year-over-year growth continues with April passenger traffic
April passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport didn’t reach record-breaking numbers like March did, but the month still brought significant year-over-year growth. April saw 488,887 passengers travel through SRQ — 10% more than the same month last year, which totaled 443,089. The report comes a month after the airport announced it broke its record for the most monthly passengers in its history, with 597,796.