Wednesday's Afternoon Update

Posted 12/11/2019

Updated 4 yearss ago

Florida’s citrus industry dying on the vine

State lawmakers and citrus growers expressed a need Tuesday to entice people to drink more orange juice and for citrus importers to help in the marketing of Florida’s struggling signature crop. Production in Florida is up, but the latest issue for the industry is an oversupply caused by processors that signed multi-year deals with foreign growers from Mexico and Brazil. More from the Tampa Bay Times and CBS Miami.

Unemployment in South Florida just hit a record low — but there’s more to the story

The Miami area’s unemployment rate hit 3.0 percent in October — a new record low, and an indication that the region’s economy continues to thrive. Yet, area residents continue to be beset by cost-of-living issues, according to economics experts. Miami-Dade’s cost of living has been increasing since 2012, and is currently about 10% higher than Florida’s cost of living. More from the Miami Herald.

Magic Leap’s new feature will let you experience your hotel before you get there

Want to check out a resort in Aruba before you book? Now, using a special wearable computer, you’ll be able to immerse yourself at a great international destination before actually flying there. The feature, or a location-based experience, is one of the new applications being touted by Plantation-based Magic Leap. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Jeff Vinik invests $3 million in fast-growing med tech firm

Along with owning the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jeff Vinik has invested in health and wellness companies making everything from bio-friendly skin care products to wearable shields that protect first responders from gamma radiation. His latest is in a company working to make doctors’ offices more efficient. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

JEA to pay at least $1.8 million in legal and lobbying fees for privatization

JEA officials have handed out more than $1.8 million in legal and lobbying contracts in its ongoing pursuit of potentially privatizing the city-owned utility. The final tab for those services will likely be higher, considering one law firm, Foley & Lardner, has already exceeded the limit of their original contract by $660,000. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Out of the Box
Edible insect exhibit opens at Florida museum

Humans have been eating insects for millennia. Aristotle snacked on cicada larvae, and the Bible recommends some beetles, grasshoppers and locusts as food. Today, by some estimates, 2 billion people consume insects regularly in dishes — some not for the faint of heart. With bug cuisine beginning to gain traction in the U.S., the Florida Museum of Natural History opened a new exhibit in late November discussing its relevance, recipes and environmental impact.

» More from the Santa Rosa Press Gazette.

Floridian of the Year 2019: The Florida Teacher
Getting students to practice school lessons in society

Test scores are one thing, says Florida environmental science teacher Nikki Mosblech, but her goal is to create good citizens. When she started teaching environmental science in 2005, Mosblech had just one class and 20 students. This year, she’s up to six sections and a total of 180 students. “I don’t think it’s me. I think it’s the right time, the right students,” she says.

» Read more from Florida Trend.