Wednesday's Afternoon Update
Ron DeSantis receives highest approval rating of any Florida governor in a decade
Governor Ron DeSantis' first two months in office can be called a success based on a new Quinnipiac University poll released Wedneday morning. Florida voters overwhelmingly approve 59 to 17 percent of the job DeSantis is doing. The number is the highest approval rating any Florida governor received in ten years. More from WFTS and the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida chickens help reveal origin of rare, deadly virus
Much like a canary in a coal mine, Florida chickens have warned researchers of a rare but deadly mosquito-borne virus in their midst. These sentinels have revealed that eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) originates in the state's panhandle and then spreads as far north as Nova Scotia, Canada, the new study found. More from UPI.
Sarasota County holds off on privatizing SCAT bus system
The county established SCAT in 1979 and operates 56 routes that cost the county roughly $30 million a year, prompting officials to look for ways to save money. More than two dozen opponents of privatization, consisting of SCAT workers and members of the nation’s largest transit union, protested outside the county center with signs that read “Keep SCAT Public.” More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Special Olympics Florida achieves historic milestone
Special Olympics Florida revealed a new milestone, surpassing more than 50,000 members statewide. The volunteer-driven organization has provided sports training and competitions for Floridians with intellectual disabilities since 1972, becoming one of the state’s largest athletic organizations. More from the WJXT.
Fire danger could be in Florida’s future following mass debris from last year’s deadly storms
Forestry officials expressed concerns Tuesday that Northwest Florida communities still recovering form a deadly hurricane in October will soon face the threat of massive wildfires and flooding. The state could face costly new disasters depending on how much debris isn’t cleared or picked up. More from WWSB.
Out of the Box
If we had a do-over, where would you put Florida's capital?
The idea that lawmakers would move Florida’s capital out of Tallahassee is goofy on its face. Short of a massive groundswell of bipartisan support — nay, demand — that this move take place, it’s just not going to happen. And yet … Shouldn’t it?
» More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Florida History
’No-name storm’ wrought havoc on Florida 26 years ago
No one expected this one, and so there was no name. It was well before hurricane season when the storm swept in around midnight on March 12, 1993. Dubbed the “no-name storm,” it slammed into Florida from the Gulf of Mexico packing winds of more than 90 mph, strong rain, lightning and tornadoes. Fifteen people died, including four children. Hundreds had to abandon their homes due to substantial flooding and 2 million lost power just as they dealt with the cold temperatures left in the wake.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.