Government shutdown stalls red tide tracking

While red tide levels have become nearly undetectable in Sarasota and Manatee County waters, scientists are struggling to monitor the harmful algal bloom that began 16 months ago, in 2017. Due to the government shutdown, experts have been unable since Dec. 22 to use weather satellites operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association to determine the significance of algal patches off the west coast of Florida. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

See also:
» High concentrations of Red Tide returns along Sarasota beaches, according to FWC map
» FGCU researchers dive in Gulf for red tide answers
» Finding Florida paradise in the wake of Red Tide
» From #toxic18 to possibly #clean19

Low pay, costly storms among problems facing Florida’s emergency management department

Low pay for state emergency workers, costly storms and speeding up the reimbursements to cities and counties are among the top problems facing Florida's Department of Emergency Management, its chief of staff told an advisory panel to Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis Thursday. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Battered by disease and storms, Florida citrus growers hope 2019 is a better year

Mother Nature can be cruel. Fifteen years ago, citrus canker—a contagious bacterial disease—began plaguing Florida’s orange and grapefruit crop. Then 10 years ago, citrus greening—a bacteria spread by an invasive insect from Southeast Asia —began wiping out trees in the Sunshine State. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma arrived. [Source: Sarasota Magazine]

Sales-tax exemptions proposed on products for senior citizens

A freshman House member Wednesday proposed offering sales-tax exemptions on items that can help seniors live independently in their homes. Rep. Joe Casello, D-Boynton Beach, filed the proposal (HB 159) for consideration during the 2019 legislative session. Under the measure, items such as handrails, bed rails, grab bars and shower seats would be exempt from sales taxes. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Record number of manatees killed by Florida boaters

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recorded 119 manatees killed by a boat strike last year, breaking the record of 106 set in 2016 and tied in 2017. Overall, 804 manatees died in Florida waters, just shy of the record 830 recorded in 2013. More from WKMG and the AP.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Lakewood Ranch ranked second best-selling master-planned community in the country [Florida Trend]
Lakewood Ranch has been recognized as the second best-selling, master-planned community in the country by RCLCO, an independent real estate consulting firm; an increase from its third-place ranking for 2017.

› Florida cruise line plans giant roller coaster on ship in 2020 [Palm Beach Post]
Someone had to do it. Cruise ships already have race tracks, laser tag, zip lines and bumper cars. What about a roller coaster? Carnival Cruise Line plans to take the thrills at sea to the next level aboard Mardi Gras, introducing BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster.

› Florida brokerage expands operations in Connecticut [Hartford Business]
A Florida-based insurance brokerage firm says it's acquired three Connecticut agencies. AssuredPartners Inc., of Lake Mary, FL., which acquires and invests in insurance brokerages, on Thursday announced it acquired Torres Insurance Agency Inc.

› Michael Bloomberg announces $2.5 million award for St. Pete climate change efforts [Tampa Bay Times]
Michael Bloomberg, the erstwhile New York City mayor, announced on Thursday that his foundation was awarding $2.5 million to St. Petersburg to aid efforts to combat climate change and curb carbon emissions.

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› PSC creates fast-track program for aircraft dispatchers [Lakeland Ledger]
Polk State College will start a program in February leading to certification as an aircraft dispatcher, making it the first Florida institution west of Interstate 95 to offer such a program. The six-week, non-credit program will cost students no more than $5,000, said Eric Crump, director of Polk State Aerospace.

› Like to smoke on the beach? It could be illegal soon [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Smoking on the beach is something people do without thinking twice, but it may become illegal soon. A proposal was filed by Republican Sen. Joe Gruters of Sarasota on Wednesday. If the proposal passes, authorities will be able to give citations to people who smoke on public beaches.

› Walt Disney World offers multi-day deal for Florida residents [WOFL]
Walt Disney World just announced the return of the Florida resident Discover Disney ticket deal. With this deal, Florida residents can purchase a 3-day Discover Disney Ticket for only $175 plus tax. This gives residents access to one theme park per day. And, a fourth day can be added for $20 more.

› Tampa Bay's housing market gained $22 billion in value in 2018 [Tampa Bay Times]
Tampa Bay's housing market gained $22 billion in value last year but it's still worth less than it was at the peak of housing bubble in 2005-06. A Zillow analysis found that bay area homes have a cumulative value of $238.7 billion, a $122 billion gain since their lowest point but nearly 7 percent less than at the peak.