Hurricane center begins tracking 1st Atlantic basin system with chance to form
And so it begins. The National Hurricane Center posted in its tropical outlook Wednesday the first system with a chance to form into the season’s initial tropical depression or storm in the Atlantic basin. The NHC’s 8 a.m. forecast notes a broad area of low pressure could form over the Bay of Campeche late this week. “Conditions are not expected to be favorable for significant development, and the system should move inland over eastern Mexico late this weekend,” forecasters said. It’s no threat to Florida. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Seminole commissioners warn of severe cuts in services
Seminole County would lose more than $188 million in revenues through 2029 if voters approve a property tax cut on the ballot in November, commissioners said Tuesday. That would likely mean future cuts in public safety, emergency services, maintenance of roads, and funding for parks and leisure programs. If approved by 60% of Florida voters, the homestead exemption on an owner’s primary home would go up to the first $150,000 on the property’s assessed value starting January 1. The exemption would then rise to $250,000 in 2028. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
A $1 billion Broward project is opening doors for contractors
A big change is coming to Miramar, and your business can be part of it. Miramar Cove, a project from Sunbeam Properties & Development, is a $1 billion multi-use complex planned to open in fall 2028 at Miramar Parkway and Red Road. Sunbeam and Stiles Construction are teaming up to bring shops, apartments, homes, a hotel and beach club to the area on 125 acres of land. More from the Miami Herald.
$3B Southwest Florida nonprofit health care system names CEO
Following a national search, a Fort Myers nonprofit health system has appointed its next leader — someone who has worked for the organization for more than 30 years. Lee Health COO Ben Spence has been named the system's next president and CEO, effective Oct. 1. Spence will succeed Dr. Larry Antonucci, who announced his plans to retire Sept. 30 from the roles of president and CEO after nine years with Lee Health. More from the Business Observer.
Coral Gables firm strikes deal to send fuel to Cuba’s private sector on oil tankers
Coral Gables-based Vanguard Energy, a regional fuel trader in the Caribbean and Latin America, quickly became a provider of diesel and gasoline to Cuba’s private businesses, delivered in specialized shipping containers known as ISO tanks. But the process is expensive and inefficient: the tanks can carry only 6,900 gallons of gasoline, and they must be filled and shipped to Cuba for transfer, then returned for refilling. More from the Miami Herald.
Out of the Box
Tampa Bay alligator wrestler, fitness coach join Netflix’s ‘Outlast: The Jungle’
While competing for a $1 million prize fund in the Panamanian jungle, Tampa man Sean Jacobs made a disgusting discovery: Roasted cockroach tastes just like shrimp-fried rice. In the upcoming season of Netflix’s “Outlast: The Jungle,” Jacobs is one of 16 strangers taking part in a “high-stakes survival experiment.” The reality TV competition, which boasts actor Jason Bateman as one of its executive producers, returns with a new location on Wednesday.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Business Profile
Nassal relocates to larger Orlando facility as themed-entertainment industry booms
From crafting a 200-foot-tall volcano for a water park to installing a statue of Milhouse from “The Simpsons” — the fabrication company Nassal is unique. Based in Orlando, the firm started more than 40 years ago to fill the niche need in the region — fabricating theme park environments. Nassal's services include scenic paint treatments, building artificial rockwork and crafting custom millwork.
» Read more from the Orlando Business Journal.