Lawsuit says ‘Alcatraz’ preventing attorney access Miccosukees seek to challenge detention center
A class-action lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges that people held at the immigrant-detention center dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” are being prevented from having access to lawyers and “effectively have no way to contest their detention.” “No protocols exist at this facility for providing standard means of confidential attorney-client communication, such as in-person attorney visitation and phone or video calls that are available at any other detention facility, jail or prison,” the lawsuit, filed in the federal Southern District of Florida, said. “The only way that detained people can communicate with the outside world is via infrequent access to collect pay phone calls that are monitored and recorded, and last approximately five minutes.” [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida Credit Unions: Bilingual banking
Florida’s third-largest credit union had humble beginnings. It got its start in 1951 on an Air Force base near Cape Canaveral. It had seven founding members who pooled together $372 in savings. Today it’s a different story. Space Coast Credit Union has more than 675,000 members with more than $8 billion in assets. It has expanded geographically to serve 34 counties, opening 66 branch locations that span Florida’s east coast from Daytona Beach all the way down to Miami. [Source: Florida Trend]
Brightline on track to sell some of itself to raise money
Brightline has been looking to raise money for months by selling equity in the train service to outside investors. The company updated bondholders in its monthly business report. Brightline said it "continues to actively progress the planned issuance of a substantial amount of equity, with a global process underway engaging with numerous potential strategic partners." [Source: WLRN]
Oil drilling fight goes to appeals court
A company that wants to drill for oil near the Apalachicola River has gone to an appeals court after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection last month denied a permit for the project. Louisiana-based Clearwater Land & Minerals Fla. filed a notice Tuesday that is a first step in appealing the Department of Environmental Protection’s decision to the 1st District Court of Appeal. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida Chamber says property insurance market shows improvements
A consumer advocacy group tied to the Florida Chamber says property insurance reforms have stabilized a market that some, not that long ago, worried was on the brink of collapse. The Consumer Protection Coalition in a statement this week says legislative reforms approved two years ago are leading to steadying and declining premiums, as well as a drop in the number of policies held by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. [Source: Business Observer]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Faculty hope new USF president will protect academic freedom
A dozen or so members of the University of South Florida community offered their thoughts on the qualities the next president should have in a virtual meeting Tuesday.
The majority were faculty who underscored concerns over academic freedom.
› Manatee County receives threat of litigation over increased impact fees
Manatee County commissioners have been warned they face a lawsuit if they follow through with plans to impose higher impact fees, which are scheduled to go into effect Sept. 9.
› Viera's 'urban cowboys' preserve old slice of Florida life
When you think of cowboys on horseback, you probably picture them driving cattle through the American West.
But you don't need to venture very far west of Viera to see a cowboy in real life.
Just peek over the subdivision walls.
For decades, the Duda family has been raising cattle along the open lands of the St. Johns River and they continue to do so in Viera, the massive housing and commercial development they launched in the 1990s.
› Naples Airport relocation ruled out due to high costs
The verdict is in: Relocating Naples Airport is not financially feasible without significant monetary commitments from the City of Naples, Collier County or other sources. Therefore, according to Naples Airport Authority commissioners, the door to relocating the airport is now closed.
More stories ...
› Frost Science Museum goes beyond the algorithm with MyFi Studio
Technology influences many aspects of life. It also plays a part in the creation of art. For the artist duo MyFi Studio, one without the other does not exist. The pair will debut their latest tech-inspired performance piece at Frost Science Museum’s adult-only night, nightLAB, on Thursday, July 17.
› What businesses are coming to Ox Bottom and Thomasville Road corner? Here's a rundown
Construction is forging ahead in northeast Tallahassee as several national and local businesses are poised to open their doors at the Ox Bottom Meadows, on one of the busiest corners on Thomasville Road.
These businesses are official: Starbucks, Red Rapids Car Wash and a SunStop convenience store and gas station, which sparked opposition from residents concerned about noise, traffic and health-related issues.
› Legoland Florida president leaves position at resort
Franceen Gonzales, a well-known adventure and water park industry executive named president of Legoland Florida Resort in Polk County last summer, has left the top job after 13 months.
Gonzales announced her departure from the resort in a LinkedIn post Wednesday.
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Pass-a-Grille’s Berkeley Beach Club hotel and restaurant sold to new owners
Berkeley Beach Club, the popular Pass-a-Grille boutique hotel and home of The Dewey restaurant, has been sold to new owners.
Proprietor Maryann Ferenc, who also co-owns the iconic Tampa fine dining restaurant Mise en Place, confirmed the news Monday. The deal was finalized last week, she said, adding that the decision to sell the hurricane-battered property didn’t come easily.