Wednesday's Afternoon Update
After more than a month of waiting, Florida’s next health secretary ’likely’ to start in June
As the state deals with its highest number of hepatitis A cases in at least the last five years, Florida's health department still lacks a leader. But, perhaps, not for much longer. Dr. Scott Rivkees will likely start next month as head of the state health department and surgeon general. This comes after more than a month of waiting and wondering what Rivkees status is. More from WTXL.
Miami may be ready to pick Virginia Key marinas operator
After years of controversy, countless meetings, administrative appeals and lawsuits, the City of Miami may be ready to move ahead with a new operator for its marinas on Virginia Key. The final court case has finally ended and the agenda for the city commission includes two proposed resolutions that would determine the fate of Rickenbacker Marina and Marine Stadium Marina on the city-owned barrier island. More from Miami Today.
Does Florida still have a shot at Space Command?
The US Air Force released a list of six locations it is considering for the headquarters of Space Command. Florida wasn’t included, and that’s left aerospace advocates in the Sunshine State feeling as though they’ve been misled. Dale Ketcham, Vice President for Government and External relations with Space Florida, says the fight’s not over. He’s been in Washington D.C. lobbying to try and get Florida back on the shortlist for Space Command. More from WMFE.
Tampa Bay area cybersecurity firm expands global reach with acquisition in Europe
IT security firm KnowBe4 has acquired CLTRe (pronounced “Culture”), a Norwegian company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations build and maintain strong cybersecurity policies and practices. According to a press release, CLTRe will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary of Clearwater-based KnowBe4. Other terms of the deal were not disclosed. More from the Business Observer.
Ag Commissioner warns new NAFTA may hurt Florida farmers
Graves Williams has farmed tomatoes in Quincy for more than 30 years. He’s one of the few left in the state. “When I started in Florida there were 224 tomato farmers and I think there's less than 25 now,” said Williams. The reason so few are left is due, in part, to Mexican producers flooding the market with cheaper produce. More from WCTV.
Sports Business
NASCAR to buy International Speedway, owner of Daytona, Talladega
NASCAR is buying International Speedway in a deal worth about $2 billion. International Speedway Corp. owns some of America’s most well-known car racing facilities including the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, where the company is based, and the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.
» See the announcement here and read more from the Florida Times-Union.
Out of the Box
An old Taco Bell will become a medical marijuana dispensary
A former Taco Bell restaurant in Longwood will be home to a new medical marijuana dispensary opening this Friday. Yes, there will be a drive-thru window. Sarasota-based medical marijuana company AltMed is opening its fifth “Muv” medical marijuana dispensary statewide in the Seminole County city. Medical marijuana dispensaries are multiplying across Central Florida as the industry ramps up three years after voters approved medicinal use of the drug by state constitutional amendment.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.