‘Turkey’ list targets stadium money, member projects
With delivery of the $114.5 billion state budget for the next fiscal year pending, Florida TaxWatch raised questions over $829.7 million in the spending plan, including $50 million tied to a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. In its annual “turkey” list, the Tallahassee-based nonprofit identified 621 items for Gov. Ron DeSantis to consider for vetoes. DeSantis has line-item veto power on the budget, which will take effect July 1. The budget items are targeted based on how they were included in the spending plan, often with little or no public discussion, rather than on merit. More from the News Service of Florida.
Business group sues Tampa over public records tied to stormwater project
A nearly $100 million South Tampa flood relief project has long divided neighbors, business owners and city leaders. Now, a business group is suing the city of Tampa over it. The SoHo Business Alliance filed a lawsuit last week accusing the city of withholding public records tied to the South Howard Avenue project. Proponents say that even short bursts of rain turn their streets into rivers. But a group of business owners have fought the project for months, raising questions about cost, traffic and street closures. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
UF using VR to train autistic students for tech jobs
In a collaboration linking academia, tech firms, autism advocates and a significantly underemployed population, the University of Florida is establishing a new pipeline of semiconductor workers perfect for the job. Preparing for its second class, the program educates and prepares autistic students — people considered neurodivergent — using virtual reality and other custom tools for careers in semiconductor manufacturing. In doing so, the collaboration is working to change workplace culture and break down barriers to help people on the spectrum thrive in the talent-hungry tech sector. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Orlando advances plan to roll back Downtown historic protections
Orlando officials advanced a plan Monday that they say could spur redevelopment Downtown, despite pleas by preservationists who fear it could lead to landmarks flattened. Any development plans within the historic district, which spans eight blocks and snakes through the city core, would be able to bypass the city’s Historic Preservation Board for three years. That citizen’s advisory board has been tasked with reviewing building plans, big and small, in Orlando’s several historic districts. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Miami auto show has been canceled this year. Will it return in the future?
One of South Florida’s signature events has reached the end of the road this year. The Miami International Auto Show is canceled. Miami Beach communications director Melissa Berthier confirmed that the event “is not taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center this year.” But the event may not be gone for good. Berthier said that the auto show is “actively discussing future dates with the venue,” but couldn’t give further details. More from the Miami Herald.
In Memoriam
'Zoo Sue' Schmitt, Brevard political pioneer, dies at 86
Sue Schmitt, a political trailblazer on Florida's Space Coast, died on June 4 at the age of 86. Schmitt was the first woman to serve on the Rockledge City Council and the second to serve on the Brevard County Commission. She was a key champion for the creation of the Brevard Zoo, earning her the nickname "Zoo Sue."
» More from Florida Today.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Goal rush
This year's FIFA World Cup – the biggest yet, with 104 games and 48 teams playing across three host countries – is coming to Florida this month. Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, which can hold 65,000 spectators, will host seven games including the match for the tournament's bronze medal. Ticket prices range from $60 to more than $1,000.
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