How sick is COVID-19 making Florida’s budget?

When they passed a $93.2 billion state budget in March, Florida lawmakers knew a growing global pandemic was going to blow a hole through the state’s finances. Two months into the crisis, the extent of the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 related shutdowns is still unclear. This year’s budget, which runs through June, appears secure. But already lawmakers are bracing for a dramatic reduction to next year’s state budget, which begins July 1, and are debating whether they need to reconvene in Tallahassee for an emergency session. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.

DeSantis rejects recommendation for state to test all elder care residents

Unlike other states, which have mandated diagnostic coronavirus tests of all residents and staff at homes with frail elders because of evidence that staff without symptoms are becoming lethal carriers, DeSantis has relied on a voluntary approach that allows homes to decide if they want their residents and staff tested. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Commentary: Welcome to Florida — the post-pandemic sports capital of the nation

The Sunshine State is traditionally known for its hospitality industry, but, these days, we are becoming internationally famous for our sports hospitality industry. It started a few weeks ago when Gov. Ron DeSantis, presumably taking his marching orders from President Trump, declared professional wrestling as an "essential business” in Florida and it’s been mushrooming ever since. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Floridians favor shutdown steps, wish people would wear masks, poll finds

An April survey of Floridians by the University of South Florida and Nielson found that most still see the coronavirus as a threat and wish for statewide mitigation policies, like requiring masks. Nearly 80 percent said everyone should be required to wear masks in public. About 75 percent are concerned about someone they know contracting the virus in the next three months. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Effects of COVID-19 on Florida blueberry production

Overall, the period between the Chilean season and the Florida season was characterized by low volumes and high prices. However, at this point in time the landscape is very different. Following unusually high prices in February, March and April, caused by a lack of Chilean and Mexican fruit. However, Mexico now reports consistently higher volumes than last year. [Source: Fresh Plaza]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Miami plans to reopen parks, businesses next week in coordination with Beach, Hialeah [Miami Herald]
The city of Miami is coordinating a plan with Hialeah, Miami Beach, Doral and Miami Gardens to reopen certain businesses May 20, a few days after Miami-Dade County’s target date to restart a local economy that has been shuttered through the coronavirus pandemic.

› Florida-based software firm is moving its headquarters to North Texas [Dallas Morning News]
Software company Optym is moving its U.S. headquarters from Florida to the Cypress Waters development northwest of Dallas. The international company, whose local clients include Southwest Airlines and Greyhound, has leased 17,327 square feet of space. The company is moving from Gainesville, Fla., to Billingsley Co.’s Cypress Waters in August.

› Jacksonville to consider $2.2 million for TIAA Bank Field improvements [Florida Times-Union]
The city of Jacksonville will likely spend $2.2 million this year to install new LED lights at TIAA Bank Stadium that comply with new standards implemented by the NFL and make repairs to the aging facility’s drainage system, elevators and escalators. Mayor Lenny Curry has proposed paying for the upgrades with the city’s general fund, which is funded largely by local taxpayers, pays for essential services and could face significant financial pressures from the pandemic-related shutdown that has gripped the nation for nearly two months.

› Cafe Ponte, iconic Clearwater restaurant, closes for good [Tampa Bay Times]
Cafe Ponte, the celebrated Clearwater fine dining restaurant, has closed for good. Chris Ponte, who together with his wife, Michelle, opened his flagship restaurant in 2002, said the closure was a combination of the economic backlash from COVID-19 and the fact that he was unable to reach a deal on a lease renegotiation with the building’s landlord.

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› Subtropical Storm Arthur? Hurricane center gives it 70% chance of forming this weekend [Orlando Sentinel]
The first tropical event of 2020 could form weeks ahead of schedule as forecasters monitor a disturbance that has high odds of becoming a subtropical storm near the Bahamas. An area of low pressure has a 70 percent chance of forming near the northeastern part of the Bahamas on Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center’s Wednesday morning update.

› IndyCar’s Grand Prix of St. Petersburg set for Oct. 23-25 [Tampa Bay Times]
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has been officially rescheduled for Oct. 23-25, with the final day serving as the championship race for the IndyCar Series. The Grand Prix began in March with no fans in attendance, but calls were called off the track only a few hours into the three-day event because of the coronavirus pandemic.

› Orlando Science Center postpones Pompeii exhibit [Orlando Sentinel]
The major exhibit based on the ancient city of Pompeii that was scheduled to open at Orlando Science Center next month has been postponed. “Pompeii: The Immortal City” could instead arrive as early as this fall and stay in Florida longer than originally scheduled, JoAnn Newman, president of the science center says.

› Injured manatee rescued in Florida gives birth at SeaWorld Orlando [Orlando Sentinel]
An injured pregnant manatee was rescued by crews from a Tampa Bay area marine laboratory and taken to SeaWorld in Orlando for treatment, officials said in a news release. The manatee gave birth to a calf on Tuesday at SeaWorld, the statement said.