20 years of citrus greening has beaten Florida industry to a pulp. Few resilient growers remain
Twenty years ago, citrus greening was discovered in the U.S. in South Florida. The state citrus industry has a total $7 billion economic impact, according to a 2023 analysis by the University of Florida. Growers that have remained in the industry have to cope with mounting economic pressures. While no cure has been discovered, researchers have developed various treatment options. More from TC Palm.
Marijuana proposal tops 600,000 signatures to get on Florida’s 2026 ballot
Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow recreational use of marijuana have submitted more than 600,000 petition signatures as they try to put the measure on the 2026 ballot. The state Division of Elections website Tuesday showed 613,206 valid signatures for the proposal, sponsored by the Smart & Safe Florida political committee. The proposal is similar to a 2024 ballot proposal that fell short of the required 60% percent voter support for passage. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Jax loses $147M federal grant for Emerald Trail completion
Jacksonville-area officials say they’re refocusing their messaging around the Emerald Trail to one of promoting economic development, as they attempt to recover from the loss of $147 million in federal grant funding. The $147 million grant awarded in March 2024 to complete the 30-mile urban trail loop was the largest grant received in the city’s history. More from Jax Today.
Meeting association books Tampa for annual conference
An organization focused on meetings is coming to Tampa for, well, a meeting. Visit Tampa announced Tuesday that Meeting Professionals International, a meeting and event industry association, will host its annual World Education Congress in Tampa in 2030. The event is expected to draw 2,500 attendees, according to the visitor’s bureau, and will be start June 10 and close June 12. More from the Business Observer.
Hollywood mayor and commission give themselves big raise to keep up with Fort Lauderdale
Pay envy is real — even between cities. Pointing to the higher salaries paid to elected officials in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood commissioners voted themselves a big pay raise last week in an attempt to keep up with their neighbor to the north. The raises take effect immediately. Mayor Josh Levy, who argued for the raise, will see his annual salary rise from $54,873 to $100,000, an 82% increase. Pay for commissioners will go from $51,943 to $70,000, a 34.7% increase. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
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Public Health
Inside the effort to stave off mosquitoes
Across Florida, more than 60 mosquito control programs have their own methods and capabilities to combat the pests. While mosquitoes are active year-round in Florida, it’s now — when the hot, wet weather really kicks in — that they thrive. And as climate change prolongs warm weather and brings more intense storms, Florida’s environment will only become more hospitable to the little suckers.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Business Profile
Contra is out to make RSVPs cool again
Zach Cohen didn’t set out to build a startup. He just wanted to throw a good party. A few years ago, Cohen and his brother were living together in New York. When his brother decided to move back to Miami, they hosted a small going-away party. But something about that night stuck. The energy. The turnout. That spark eventually led to Contra, a new kind of event platform that’s already picking up traction among creators, brands, and influencers.
» Read more from Refresh Miami.