$600M in hurricane relief now available to Florida agricultural producers
Recent hurricanes have cost farmers billions of dollars in damages and losses. The funds administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, represent roughly 35% of Florida’s total agricultural losses from those storms and are intended to provide relief from infrastructure damage, market loss, citrus loss and timber damage from the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons. More from Florida's Voice.
JEA board won't do outside investigation of complaints about CEO
The JEA board decided against launching an outside investigation into whether CEO Vickey Cavey presides over a "toxic work environment" after board member Rick Morales said he spoke with top executives raising concerns about Cavey's leadership. Jacksonville City Council members have criticized the board's decision and may launch their own investigation. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Fort Myers receives $6M grant to clean polluted canals
The Department of Agriculture awarded Fort Myers a $6 million grant to help clean up polluted canals and creeks throughout the city. The funding is part of ongoing efforts to address elevated bacteria levels in waterways, such as Manuel’s Branch and Billy’s Creek, which flow through commercial and residential neighborhoods and parks before reaching the Caloosahatchee River. More from Gulfshore Business.
Airbnb is paying extra to lure Miami hosts during the FIFA World Cup
Ahead of this summer’s anticipated FIFA World Cup games in Miami, Airbnb is launching what it calls its biggest host incentive ever. The short- and long-term accommodations company, one of several official sponsors for the World Cup, has announced it will offer $750 for new hosts who register their properties for the event between now and July 31. More from the Miami New Times.
Brevard settles lawsuit for $3 million, adds homes and flood control
Brevard's $3 million deal to settle a decade-long lawsuit will bring more homes and boats but also better flood control to North Merritt Island, while preventing runoff and improving public access to the Indian River Lagoon. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Brevard County Commission unanimously approved a tentative agreement to settle a 2014 suit by a property owner that includes allowing 84 new homes, a potential 42-slip marina and the county buying land for flood control and possible public access. More from Florida Today.
A decade of growth
A private, not-for-profit healthcare system, Orlando Health has remained committed throughout its 100-year history to delivering exceptional care to the communities it serves. That commitment has accelerated over the past decade, expanding the organization’s reach across Central Florida, from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast and now into Central Alabama through the Baptist Health brand. [Sponsored report]
Health Trends
Can food be medicine? Feeding Tampa Bay cooks up a prescription for diabetics.
Feeding Tampa Bay began cooking and delivering medically tailored meals to people with chronic diabetes in North Tampa and East Tampa last week. The six-month pilot in partnership with BayCare is aimed at those who are homebound either because of illness or because they cannot afford their own transportation.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Sports Business
Road to Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 could run through Orlando
Orlando is aiming to play a pivotal role on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The Greater Orlando Sports Commission, in partnership with the City of Orlando, Orange County, Visit Orlando, the State of Florida and other regional stakeholders, announced that the city is an official candidate to host the final stop of the Olympic Qualifier Series 2028 — a multi-sport showcase that will determine the last wave of athletes to earn their Olympic berths.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.