2020 hurricane forecast revised, named storms could be double that of normal year

Based on the Atlantic hurricane season so far and predictions for the next few months, Colorado State University (CSU) revised its long-term forecast, raising the number of storms and hurricanes it expects for the 2020 season. CSU’s original prediction called for an above-average hurricane season, but the update released Wednesday raises the number of named storms from 20 to 24 and the number of those that become hurricanes from nine to 12. More from WJXT, theTampa Bay Times, the Palm Beach Post, and WPDE.

Flood of eviction filings expected after DeSantis quietly changes Florida’s moratorium wording

The relief felt by tenants when Gov. Ron DeSantis extended Florida’s eviction moratorium another month to Sept. 1 may be short-lived because changes to the order’s phrasing explicitly allow eviction filings to resume and for some residents to be kicked out. The original statewide moratorium that’s been in place since April was much more vague, suspending “any statute providing for an eviction cause of action.” [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Florida becomes second state to top 500,000 COVID-19 cases

Florida reported another 5,409 COVID-19 cases Wednesday, pushing the state over a half-million confirmed infections. That makes Florida second only to California among states with people diagnosed with the disease. Florida now has 502,739 cases, while California health officials on Tuesday listed almost 520,000 cases. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Disney says it's seeing 'higher than expected' cancellations at its theme parks as Florida cases continue to surge

Even at half-capacity, Disney World is making money — not losing it — but that success hinges on Florida's ability to contain its coronavirus outbreak. Disney executives told investors in a quarterly report that its theme parks were "operating at a positive net contribution level." In other words, they're making more from ticket sales, souvenir shops, restaurants and the likes to offset paying staff and other underlying costs. [Source: Business Insider]

Industry cancels U.S. cruises until Oct. 31, one month after CDC ban expires

Cruise companies are canceling U.S. cruises until at least Oct. 31. The industry lobbying group Cruise Lines International Association announced Wednesday that its member lines won’t be coming back until at least that date. In June, the group agreed to cancel U.S. cruises through mid-September, before the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention banned cruises until Oct. 1. CLIA member companies include Florida-based Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages. [Source: Miami Herald]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Lab-grown and replanted corals to spawn in the Florida Keys [Miami Herald]
Not long after the August full moon, Florida’s reefs are the scene of an annual show of sexual reproduction called the coral spawn, with coral colonies releasing masses of tiny white, pink and orange spheres into the ocean. This year, for the first time, corals raised by scientists in a lab and transplanted to the natural reefs are primed to join the spawn — a promising milestone for ongoing efforts to restore the ravaged reef systems off South Florida.

› Sarasota-Bradenton airport installs contactless temperature checks [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Travelers who want to double-check that they’re healthy enough to board a plane now have the option of having their temperatures taken at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport without coming close to another person. The airport said Wednesday that it has installed three non-contact thermal temperature screening kiosks at different spots in the terminal.

› The $300 million Exchange at Jacksonville development no longer under contract [Jax Daily Record]
The proposed Exchange at Jacksonville mixed-use retail project near St. Johns Town Center apparently won’t be developed, at least anytime soon. Property owner representative A.C. “Chip” Skinner III said Aug. 3 the property is no longer under contract to Atlanta-based developer Jeff Fuqua.

› Proposed fish farm remains unfazed by federal court’s NOAA opinion [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
As a proposed finfish farm awaits word on its demonstration pen in the Gulf of Mexico, a federal appeals court upheld a decision revoking authority from a federal agency to permit and regulate offshore fisheries. The opinion Monday comes after a 2018 federal district ruling. The Gulf Fishermen’s Association claimed aquaculture regulations fall outside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service authority.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Jacksonville Mayor signs off on dredging spend [Florida Politics]
The city of Jacksonville has financed much of its controversial dredging project with federal and state funds, but locals are on the hook in the end. Mayor Lenny Curry showcased legislation Wednesday committing the city to $70 million in hard costs and another $40 million bridge loan that will eventually be paid back with state reimbursement through JAXPORT.

› Sarasota foundations give food bank $600,000 in matching funds [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Two local philanthropic groups have given All Faiths Food Bank $600,000 in matching funds in a push to raise money for hunger relief. In an effort to raise money for the food bank during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Joe and Mary Kay Henson Family Fund provided a $500,000 match on all donations that come into the food bank starting Aug. 1.

› Amazon to create new jobs in Florida as it plans to launch new fulfillment center next year [ForexTV]
Amazon.com Inc. said it will create 750 new jobs in Florida, as it plans to launch a new fulfillment center in Temple Terrace in 2021. The new facility, with more than 600,000 square feet, pack and ship smaller customer items, such as books, electronics, small household goods and toys.

› Fried sets up training program to oversee prescribed burns in Florida [Orlando Sentinel]
Florida is setting up an advanced training program for people who oversee prescribed burns, with an emphasis on burns in sugar cane fields, in an effort to reduce smoke in surrounding communities. The state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also announced new boundary lines in the Everglades Agricultural Area to further separate growing inland communities around Lake Okeechobee from the potential impacts of burning cane fields.