Florida Trend Exclusive
Solar saturated
By 2030, utility solar power plants will cover approximately 273,337 acres of Florida, or 427 square miles, well more than the land area of Pinellas County and closing in on Hernando. To get that estimate, Florida Trend tallied all the forecasted solar projects in each utility’s 10-year site plan filed with the state Public Service Commission. Solar’s appetite has implications for Florida’s economy, from power prices, reliability and availability to deforestation, timberland values and the state’s character. [Source: Florida Trend]
Citizens Insurance was allowed to bypass the courts during claim disputes. It won more than 90% of the time.
In a moment of peril, Florida lawmakers allowed its insurer of last resort to take disputes before judges whose salaries it funds. Citizens has taken more than 1,500 insurance disputes to mandatory arbitration, where it wins more than 90% of final hearings. In court it wins just over half the time. Citizens says the process is fast, cheap and fair. Homeowners say the forum violates their rights. [Source: WLRN]
See spaghetti models for Invest 92L. Will potential tropical storm stay away from Florida?
Invest 92L in the Atlantic has a high chance of becoming a tropical depression or tropical storm in the next day or two, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. If maximum sustained winds reach at least 39 mph, it would become Gabrielle, the seventh named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters are currently predicting a dip in the jet stream could send any developing storm north into the Atlantic, keeping it away from Florida and the U.S. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Florida issues official notice about school vaccine mandate changes
It’s official: the Florida Department of Health is beginning to create the rule that will get rid of some vaccine mandates in Florida. The agency filed a Notice of Development of Rulemaking on immunization requirements for public and nonpublic schools, grades preschool and kindergarten through 12, as well as adult education classes. The notice says a rule development workshop will happen if requested in writing and “not deemed unnecessary by the agency head.” [Source: Click Orlando]
Florida utility regulators nix ‘counter proposal’ in FPL rate case
As they consider a proposed settlement that would increase Florida Power & Light’s base electric rates, state regulators will not take up a “counter proposal” offered by opponents. Florida Public Service Commission Chairman Mike La Rosa on Friday issued an order dismissing a competing settlement proposal filed by the state Office of Public Counsel — which is designated by law to represent utility customers — and some consumer groups. [Source: News Service of Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Developers scale back downtown Boca plan
In a bid to win over a skeptical public, the development team behind the planned overhaul of Boca Raton's downtown government campus unveiled a revised design that trims the scope of the project while emphasizing open space and recreation. The Terra-Frisbie team, the private partnership led by developers David Martin and Rob Frisbie Jr. responsible for the proposal, said the latest design reflects feedback gathered during more than 30 community meetings.
› Tampa software firm expands with Canadian acquisition
Tampa software firm Appspace has acquired Canadian intranet provider Igloo Software in a deal designed to strengthen its position in workplace communications technology. The acquisition brings more than 300 enterprise customers to Appspace, which provides digital signage, employee app and intranet services to companies worldwide, according to a release.
› Universal: Work planned for Lost Continent area of Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando has confirmed that contruction work moving forward in the Lost Continent area of its Islands of Adventure theme park. Details about what might go there and in what specific timeframe remain unrevealed. “In the coming months, there will be construction activity in Lost Continent as part of site planning to ensure the area is ready for any future developments” is the official stance from the company.
› Visit Florida launches ad campaign in partnership with Margaritaville
Visit Florida has launched a marketing campaign with the tagline "Live More Floridays." The marketing push, developed in partnership with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville empire, aims to showcase experiences that extend beyond the state's famous theme parks and beaches. The campaign's focal point is a musical collaboration between Margaritaville and Grammy-winning artist Mac McAnally, who has reworked Buffett's song "Floridays" for the initiative.
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› Israeli medtech to open HQ, manufacturing facility in Manatee County
OSSIO, a fast-growing medtech company founded in Israel, is establishing its U.S. headquarters in Palmetto — a move that will bring advanced manufacturing, a surgeon training center and up to 100 new jobs to the region over the next five years. Founded in 2014, OSSIO began operations in 2016 and established a manufacturing facility in Caesarea, Israel, which the company says has now reached full capacity.
› Royal Caribbean plans for new class of ships, private destinations in Mexico and Nassau
After debuting the world's largest cruise ship, it's reasonable to think Royal Caribbean should pause for a moment of celebration. The company did host a formal naming ceremony for its brand new Icon-class ship at Port Canaveral earlier in August, but that milestone doesn't mean the cruise line has plans of slowing down anytime soon. During a media sailing on Star of the Seas, Royal executives detailed plans for upcoming private destinations, a new class of ships and the design behind Perfect Day Mexico.
› West Jacksonville church hosting job fair for people seeking a second chance
For many people living paycheck to paycheck or with a criminal record, landing a job can feel impossible. That’s why Normandy Park Baptist Church on Jacksonville’s Westside is stepping in to help. The church is hosting “A Better Job Fair” on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and job seekers are encouraged to come interview-ready. Pastor Troy Dixon said the job fair is focused on connecting people with employers who believe in second chances.
› Sarasota's new Mote SEA aquarium at UTC sets opening date
The grand opening for the new Mote Science Education Aquarium will be Oct. 8, with current Mote members able to preview the $130 million aquarium Oct. 6 and 7. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium broke the news to its members via a postcard inviting them to sign up for previews of the new aquarium, typically referred to as Mote SEA.