Florida tourism will take up to three years to recover from COVID-19, state economist predicts

Florida’s tourism industry will be the slowest sector to emerge from the recession caused by the coronavirus, dragging down the overall economy, the state’s top economist told lawmakers Thursday. Tourism accounts for 13% to 15% of the state’s main revenue fund, Florida chief economist Amy Baker said, and tourists aren’t likely to start flocking back to the Sunshine State in pre-pandemic numbers for at least a year after a COVID-19 vaccine is available to the public, which isn’t expected until next summer. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.

Hurricane center eyes system near Florida with 60% chance of development

A large area of disorganized showers just east of Florida could become the next tropical storm of the year as the National Hurricane Center ups its odds of development and continues to monitor a busy Atlantic basin filled with tropical systems including tropical storms Paulette and Rene. The system of disorganized showers is forecast to move westward at 10 mph over the Bahamas and South Florida on Friday night and continue moving into the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

‘Enough is enough’: Commissioners and cruise execs urge CDC to let cruising resume

Five months after South Florida became a hotbed for COVID-19 cruise outbreaks, Miami-Dade commissioners and cruise executives are urging the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to give the cruise industry the OK to restart sailings as soon as possible. Commissioner Rebeca Sosa scolded the federal health agency charged with the country’s public health response to COVID-19, saying it has been too slow to communicate with the industry and must work quickly to get cruising up and running again. More from the Miami Herald.

Florida universities are pushed to drop ACT/SAT scores in admission decisions

Florida now stands nearly alone in its refusal to drop the requirement that high school seniors submit an ACT or SAT score as part of their state university applications. Most other states have adopted test-optional policies for their universities this year because the coronavirus pandemic has led to the cancellation of many ACT and SAT test sessions. That has limited the ability of high school students to sit for the exams. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Broward Commission OKs Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for 2020

Broward County commissioners gave the go-ahead Thursday to allow the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to take place amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Final safety protocols will now be negotiated between County Administrator Bertha Henry and show organizer Informa Markets to ensure the five-day show can open Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020. More from the Miami Herald.