Will Florida face tropical threat this week?
The National Hurricane Center on Monday increased its forecast chances a system could move into the Gulf and develop into the season’s first tropical depression or storm. As of the NHC’s 8 a.m. tropical outlook, the trough of low pressure was inland over northeastern Mexico producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity. The system could re-emerge over the northwestern Gulf late Tuesday or Wednesday, where environmental conditions may support some development around midweek. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida gas prices trending downward due to falling oil prices
Florida’s gas prices continue trending lower thanks to falling oil prices. On Sunday, the state average for a gallon of gas was $3.83, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group. The price is 3 cents more than a week ago, 56 cents less than a month ago and 88 cents more than this time last year. Oil prices have been falling and a new report suggests they fell again overnight after the U.S. and Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Pasco has no data centers. Residents want to keep it that way
Pasco County doesn’t have any large data centers. And there aren’t any seeking approval, in the development pipeline or under construction. During a long conversation about how Pasco should handle the future of data centers, residents, activists, county staff and planning commissioners wrestled with a question that many communities across the country are suddenly facing: Should massive, power-hungry data centers be allowed to carve out homes in a fast-growing county with significant wetlands, groundwater resources and other environmentally sensitive areas? More from the Tampa Bay Times.
A record number of Miamians can’t make ends meet. Why that’s a risk for everyone
A record number of Miami-Dade families are living paycheck to paycheck, a new report has found. North of a half-million county households — 563,947 to be exact — are struggling to make ends meet, according to new data from United Way. That’s 56% of all Miami-Dade households, a two-percentage-point increase from last year and the highest rate in a decade. More from the Miami Herald.
Orlando Museum of Art gets record gift, acquires fan favorites
For the third year in a row, Orlando Museum of Art has received the largest donation ever from its principal fundraising organization — fueled largely by another successful Festival of Trees. And, in more good news, the 102-year-old Loch Haven Park institution has acquired two recently displayed fan-favorite works for its permanent collection; they will be unveiled at the museum’s next Access for All free-admission day on June 18. Meanwhile, the multimillion-dollar renovation of the 66-year-old building is well underway. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Sports Business
Thinking about last-minute Miami World Cup tickets? Current prices
The first FIFA World Cup game in the Miami metro kicks off today and you can get a last-minute ticket — though they are still extremely pricey, with the lowest offerings starting at $1,000. The global soccer tournament, which began on June 11, is poised to be the largest in history, with 104 matches played across 16 cities in three countries: Mexico, Canada and the United States.
» More from the Gainesville Sun.
Business Profile
Charlotte County medical transport firm surpasses 300 employees, drives for more
There were a few things Vanessa Oliver was sure she would never do after graduating from the College of William & Mary in 2003 and the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2006. “I swore I was never going to come back to work in Charlotte County,” she says, “and I swore I was never going to work for the (family) business either.” Adds Oliver, with a smile: “Famous last words.”
» Read more from the Business Observer.