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Wednesday's Afternoon Update

Florida’s Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund erodes

Florida motorists have paid less and less in traffic tickets over the last two-plus decades. That’s good news for residents’ wallets, but not so great for the services funded by those tickets, state records show. For a stark example of how the decline in ticket-based revenue has affected crucial state services, one need look no further than the Florida Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Trust Fund. More from Miami Today.

Florida’s presidential primary starts sooner than you think

Florida will mail out more than 1 million early ballots starting Feb. 6, according to the state Democratic Party. That’s a quarter-million more Democrats receiving mail ballots than in the 2016 presidential preference election — and a reminder that Florida’s March 17 primary really begins about six weeks earlier. More from the Miami Herald.

Manatee to market land for industrial development

An area flanking U.S. 41 close to Port Manatee and with water and sewer capacity will be the focus of a marketing and branding plan by Manatee County and the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. to attract more industrial development. Commissioner Priscilla Whisenant Trace said the aim is to create jobs and not let that north county area become strictly “a bedroom community.” More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Jacksonville Civic Council: JEA not in financial ‘death spiral;’ privatization process lacks transparency

JEA is not heading toward a financial “death spiral,” and city leaders need to stop the public utility’s “head-long” rush to privatize in order to conduct a thorough and transparent analysis of whether to sell the city’s most valuable asset, according to a letter the Jacksonville Civic Council sent Tuesday to city officials. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Hurricane Dorian hits hotel tax revenue in Orange County

Hurricane Dorian hit Orange County’s tourism economy in September as the hotel tax revenue fell nearly 8% compared with last September, according to figures released Tuesday. The 6% tax on short-term stays brought in about $17.8 million in September versus $20.5 million in September 2018. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Out of the Box
Yacht placed ‘under arrest’ at boat show over $4 million dispute

 With four parties battling in court over a $4 million yacht, there was only one way to be sure the wrong person doesn’t get possession of it. Put the boat under arrest. U.S. marshals boarded the 74-foot yacht at Bahia Mar on Sunday just after the close of the five-day Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show where it was displayed by the manufacturer, Sunseeker International.

» More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

 

Profile
Dick Regan

floridaThe Clearwater Marine Aquarium has hired Richard “Dick” Regan as CFO. His appointment comes soon after the hiring of Darryl Connors in the newly created role of chief business officer. According to a press release, Regan is a seasoned sports management executive, having worked for the New England Patriots and NFL Europe.

» Read more from the Business Observer.