Abortion draft ruling ratchets up Florida debate

A leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion decision ignited a sense of urgency Tuesday among Florida Democrats while drawing praise from Republicans. Authored by Justice Samuel Alito, Jr. and supported by other members of the conservative majority of the Supreme Court, the draft opinion was reported Monday night by Politico. Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday confirmed that the leaked document was authentic. [Source: News Service of Florida]

Diesel prices hit record highs in Florida

It's not just gasoline that has people paying more at the pump. The price of diesel is also going up, impacting truck drivers and other workers. AAA said the average price of diesel is currently $5.35 a gallon in Florida. A year ago the average price was $2.96 in Florida. The price for diesel hit a national high of $5.32 a gallon, and it's running even higher in South Florida. [Source: WFLX]

What do anticipated federal rate hikes mean for you?

When it comes to a jump in interest rates Victor Claar, an economist at Florida Gulf Coast University, said it's not a matter of when but it's now of a question of how much the federal reserve will raise them. "The fed will raise interest rates through 2022," he said. "I think the consensus right now is that they'll raise them by half a percent." Those interest rate hikes don't just impact new borrowers it also means that some people will see a spike in interest rates on existing debt. But Claar added that the news isn't all bad. [Source: ABC Action News]

Florida dominates list of 25 most overvalued US rental markets

Skyrocketing housing costs in Florida have local residents stressed about how they will pay their rent or find a place to live. A new study released Tuesday by Florida Atlantic University is adding fuel to the frustration of many renters across the state. Researchers from FAU ranked the 25 most overvalued U.S. rental markets, and the first five were all in the Sunshine State. [Source: WPTV]

Publix sales grow to $13.2 billion in first quarter

Publix sales reached $13.2 billion during the three months ending March 26, a 13.5% jump from $11.7 billion last year. The Lakeland-based chain of nearly 1,300 grocery stores reported Monday that comparable store sales had increased 11.7%. Net earnings for the quarter were $618 million, down from $1.5 billion in 2021. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Jacksonville Transportation Authority sheds old definition of ‘public transportation'

Far beyond the buses, bridges and highways that provide thousands of daily passengers with reliable transportation, today’s JTA also strives to offer custom experiences for commuters by providing safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable transportation services and facilities. The JTA continuously finds new ways to improve the quality of life for riders, with cutting-edge payment systems, ridership pilot programs, improved infrastructure, transit-oriented development support, and transportation technologies. [Sponnsored report]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Stamp to be unveiled in memory of Eugenie Clark on what would have been her 100th birthday [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The U.S. Postal Service will unveil a Forever stamp honoring marine biologist Eugenie Clark at 11 a.m. Wednesday in a public ceremony at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota. The unveiling will occur on what would have been the 100th birthday for the woman who earned the nickname, “Shark Lady.” Clark died of lung cancer in 2015 at age 92.

› New Dream Chaser spacecraft takes shape ahead of 1st Space Coast launch [Orlando Sentinel]
By this time next year, the Space Coast could see the launch of what looks like a mini space shuttle as Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser continues to come into focus. For now, the Dream Chaser spacecraft, which is about 1/4th the size of the space shuttle orbiters, will be limited to cargo missions as part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract, which the company won in 2016.

› Miami Grand Prix ready to showcase F1′s glitz and glamour with debut race this weekend [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Formula One, one of the hottest entertainment properties in the world right now, roars into Miami this weekend as “Drive to Survive” hits South Beach. The inaugural Miami Grand Prix is here and ready to dazzle a United States audience that has at last caught wind of the glamorous, globetrotting series.

› UCF reportedly negotiating $17-20 million settlement to exit AAC [Orlando Sentinel]
UCF is reportedly negotiating a $17-20 million settlement with the American Athletic Conference to clear a path to the Knights joining the Big 12 Conference in 2023. Cincinnati, Houston and UCF have been in negotiations with the AAC over the past couple of months after all three accepted bids to join the Big 12 last September. The intent was to join the league by July 2024 at the latest, hoping to join by 2023. AAC bylaws require schools to give 27 months’ notice and pay a $10 million exit fee, but an earlier exit would mean a negotiated settlement.

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› Northeast Florida to Get Additional Area Code [News Service of Florida]
State regulators Tuesday approved creation of an additional area code in Northeast Florida, as cell phones and other devices continue to gobble up existing numbers. The Florida Public Service Commission backed a plan designed to provide relief to the 904 area code, which is projected to run out of numbers in 2024.

› Florida hotel now powered by renewable electricity [Hotel Management]
The Gabriel South Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, is now powered by 100 percent renewable electricity. The hotel is part of Conscious Certified Hotels, an Environmental, Social and Governance platform created by CGI Merchant Group that focuses on implementing environmental improvements to hotel operations and caters to purposeful travelers who seek out properties who are focused on supporting sustainable causes.

› Tampa tech commercial real estate firm raises $12M [Business Observer]
Leasecake, a tech firm whose cloud-based operating system aims to transform lease and location management, has raised $12 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round led by PeakSpan Capital, an investment firm focused on growth-stage B2B software companies. Existing investor Las Olas Venture Capital participated in the round, according to a news release, along with new strategic backers, including Branded Strategic Hospitality.

› Melbourne Margaritaville resort details released, including 7th-floor rooftop restaurant [Florida Today]
After months of anticipation, drawings and details have been released for the tropical-themed Margaritaville Landing and Riverwalk in advance of the ambitious project's first Melbourne City Hall votes. The landmark Space Coast destination's site plan features a seven-story Compass by Margaritaville hotel, a marina, a four-level parking deck, a building shared by two themed restaurants, and a signature event lawn with a stage facing the Indian River Lagoon.