Four years ago, manatees were declared no longer endangered. Now they are dying at a record pace.

During 2021 an unprecedented 937 manatees have died in Florida, more than double the five-year annual average only nine months into the year. The staggering loss represents 10 percent of the animal’s population in the state, estimated at 8,810. More than half of the deaths are in the Indian River Lagoon, a 156-mile East Coast estuary that is among the most biologically diverse on the continent. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Tropical Storms Peter and Odette likely to form; Nicholas lingers, dumps rain

The tropics are full of activity Friday morning with two disturbances likely to become the next two tropical depressions. Also, post-tropical cyclone Nicholas continued drifting northwest into western Louisiana with a flash flooding threat present and a forecast to diminish by Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 a.m. advisory. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Hate Crimes in Florida appeared to have dropped in 2020. That’s not necessarily true

Miami’s police chief says his agency has begun to review its reporting of hate crimes after discovering the department erroneously told the FBI that officers encountered zero such incidents in 2020 — a mistake that gave the appearance discriminatory attacks dropped in Florida last year. More from the MIamI Herald.

Florida organizations pledge help for incoming Afghan refugees

The Florida Refugee Assistance Committee (FRAC), announced plans to provide resettlement assistance to incoming Afghan refugees on Thursday. FRAC is an alliance of South Florida relief aid, social services, and community services non-profit organizations. More from WTXL.

Florida's longtime pension fund manager to step down

Ash Williams, the longtime head of Florida’s pension fund, is retiring at the end of September, with Gov. Ron DeSantis and Cabinet members expected to name an interim replacement next week. As executive director of the State Board of Administration and chief investment officer, Williams leads an agency that invests money in the Florida Retirement System, along with 25 other funds, and manages the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. More from the News Service of Florida.

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention is looking for the next Gatorade

The Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention is named after Dr. James Robert Cade, a physician, scientist, musician, poet and collector of violins and Studebakers, best known as the lead inventor of Gatorade. His invention saved lives, spawned a new industry and opened doors for other early-stage inventors. The museum was created in 2017 to inspire and support future inventors and entrepreneurs. Its ultimate celebration of invention is the annual Cade Prize for Innovation. [Sponsored report].

Trend Mention

Poynter to honor Lesley Stahl at its virtual Celebration of Journalism gala Nov. 10 You’re invited to The Poynter Institute’s virtual Celebration of Journalism gala on Nov. 10, honoring the free press, democracy and the distinguished career of Lesley Stahl, award-winning broadcast journalist and “60 Minutes” correspondent for CBS News. Be immersed in an evening of poignant storytelling featuring special appearances from celebrity journalists and glimpses inside newsrooms making a difference. Together, we’ll uplift the quality of journalism for all. Grab tickets at poynter.org/gala.

Business Beat - Week of September 17th

Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.