Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Tuesday's Daily Pulse

America is experiencing a space renaissance and Florida is the epicenter

It’s been 50 years since NASA sent three men hurtling through space, bound for the moon. But in the decades that have followed, private innovators have found a way to make space exploration faster and cheaper, helping to fuel a space Renaissance in America. While the drive to push beyond the horizon space hasn’t dulled over the decades, private industry is now leading the mission. [Source: WJLA]

Floridian of the Year 2019: The Florida Teacher
Lessons from Glades County's Teacher of the Year: Joy Prescott

For two years running, teachers at Pemayetv Emahakv have been honored as Glades County’s Teacher of the Year. Joy Prescott went on to win Florida Teacher of the Year in 2019. Prescott, 42, says the honor made for a busy year as she traveled the state sharing her teaching wisdom on her favorite topic: Social and emotional learning (SEL). The idea behind SEL is teaching the kids how to interact kindly with one another, how to agree and disagree, how to own their mistakes and quite simply, how to get along. [Source: Florida Trend]

Florida gas prices edge lower after 11-cent hike

Florida gas prices are drifting lower after unexpectedly jumping last week. The state average increased 11 cents per gallon on Wednesday, before declining two cents over the weekend. Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $2.52 per gallon for regular gasoline. The state average is 9 cents more than a week ago, and 24 cents per gallon more than last year. More from the Apopka Voice and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Action! Film production bill gets first hearing this week

Not long ago, Florida was a premier destination for film and television productions. Today, it’s not even in the top-20. As the Sunshine State’s celebrity has waned, other southern states such as Louisiana, North Carolina, and particularly Georgia, have built booming entertainment production industries. Film studios aren’t picking Georgia for its beaches, though. [Source: Florida Politics]

Medical marijuana: Panel wants answers why 9% of doctors account for most pot use approvals

Florida medical board members, confronted with a state report that details how a relatively small number of doctors have approved most patients to use medical marijuana, are seeking more information about why that is happening. Members of a joint panel of the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine and the Florida Board of Medicine say they want to better understand the numbers in a 384-page report that tracks the amount of medical marijuana ordered in the state. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Cyber attack cripples city of Pensacola, officials not sure if personal data was exposed
An ongoing cyber attack has crippled the city of Pensacola's computer communication systems, and officials are working to determine whether personal data has been compromised. "The city of Pensacola is experiencing a cyber attack that began this weekend that is impacting our city network, including phones and email at City Hall and some of our other buildings," Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said at his weekly press conference on Monday morning.

goPuff adds facility in Jacksonville’s Arlington area
Home delivery service company goPuff, which first launched in Jacksonville in June and last month announced expansion into Southpoint, now has a facility in Arlington. The company said unlike services that connect couriers with third-party merchants, it operates with centrally located facilities in each market it serves.

› Group seeks green light for assault weapons ban ballot amendment in Florida
Pushing back against arguments raised by Attorney General Ashley Moody and the National Rifle Association, gun-control supporters contend the Florida Supreme Court should sign off on a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at blocking possession of assault weapons.

› Daytona businesses look to score big from Florida high school football championships
Ten elite, powerhouse programs representing the top divisions statewide will vie for championships Wednesday through Saturday at the Florida High School Athletic Association’s state championship at Daytona Stadium on LPGA Boulevard. In addition to the teams that prevail on the scoreboard, area hoteliers, restaurateurs, gift shops and attractions also expect a winning week powered by business from players, coaches, association officials, journalists, families and fans during a period that’s typically slow for tourism.

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› Winter Faire market benefits working poor
The Winter Faire, a craft festival featuring work from more than 50 Florida artisans, will be held Saturday in the Grove Street neighborhood near downtown Gainesville. The event will benefit the resident non-profit Working Food, which helps to strengthen food communities and food education in the region.

› The Packing District: Here is what’s coming to Orlando’s newest neighborhood
Two years ago, Dr. Phillips Charities unveiled a grand $700 million vision to transform more than 200 acres of industrial land and woods in northwest Orlando into a new urban neighborhood. Today, half a dozen projects have been announced for what will one day be the Packing District.

› The Miami Beach-based Casa Tua buys Wynwood office building for $3 million
The Italian management and restaurant brand purchased the 4,307-square-foot Wynwood Enclave at 250 NW 35th St. for $3 million from Lionheart Capital, according to a sales report by the New York-based commercial real estate company CoStar Group.

› The give and take of Florida weather
Volatile weather, including hurricane hits and glancing blows over the last few years, have certainly taken their toll, but most Florida growers have recovered. Mary Ostund, director of marketing for Brooks Tropicals in Homestead, says Florida’s tropical producers have rebounded well.