Tuesday's Afternoon Update
Unfettered building, scant oversight add to cost of hurricanes
In the wake of a ferocious storm season, Reuters finds that homes built in violation of flood-mitigation rules add to the billions of dollars in claims on the already-broke federal flood insurance program. Monroe County, Florida, where FEMA spent decades trying to eliminate illegal construction, shows why so many known problems persist. More from Reuters.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Influx: More Puerto Ricans are migrating to Florida
Today, there are nearly 1.1 million Puerto Ricans living in Florida — roughly the same as in New York and more than twice as many as in any other U.S. state. There are more than 400,000 Puerto Ricans living in metro Orlando alone, which soon is likely to surpass New York City as the city with the most Puerto Rican residents. Full story here.
Florida company chosen for Atlanta project
Artefact Studio, with offices in Fort Myers and Miami, was commissioned to design a mixed-use commercial project near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The three-story development will include shops on the ground floor; retail and office space on the second floor; and office space on the third floor. More from the Business Observer.
Palm Beach company acquires CenterState Bank's personal trust business
A Palm Beach-based investment management company plans to acquire the personal trust business of CenterState Bank. Cypress Trust Company, which focuses on serving as a corporate trustee or agent during estate settlements, said the acquisition will expand the company's presence in Jacksonville. More from South Florida Business Journal.
Tampa forum focuses on reforming Florida’s juvenile justice system
Changing the way Florida treats juvenile offenders was the focus of a public forum on criminal justice reform in Tampa Monday night. More than 50 activists, lawyers, students, and residents attended the forum at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Complex. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Law
Front yard veggie ban
Hermine Ricketts and her husband Tom Carroll may grow fruit trees and flowers in the front yard of their Miami Shores house. They may park a boat or jet ski in their driveway. They may place statues, fountains, gnomes, pink flamingoes or Santa in a Speedo on their property. Vegetables, however, are not allowed.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Out of the Box
"Rat Bikes"
Art meets transportation for a good cause in an after-school program where two dozen kids will create bicycles guaranteed to turn heads. The vision comes from Ruskin artist Michael Parker, who calls his prototype machine a "rat bike" or "ridiculous but fun bike." Parker aims to teach 24 children who can’t afford to purchase bikes how to create their own custom versions at his Ruskin art studio.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.