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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida in 50 years: Study says land conservation can buffer destructive force of climate change
Florida’s population is booming. Climate change is making temperatures and sea levels rise. And the state is also trying to protect animals and open land with the Florida Wildlife Corridor. As the state grows hotter and more crowded in the future, it looks like a three-way collision. But according to a new report by scientists from four major Florida universities, the wildlife corridor — if completed — will not only allow wildlife to survive in the coming decades, it will make climate change less destructive to humans. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
New facility helping Pensacola bring Baker Act wait times under control
A new central receiving facility for people undergoing mental health crisis in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties began operating last week. The Lakeview Center officially started taking Baker Act patients April 22 at its new central receiving facility at its main campus in Pensacola. More from the Pensacola News Journal.
Eatonville's powerful HostDime tech hub to come online this summer
When Manny Vivar on April 29 learned he was the only Orlando finalist included on the Ernst & Young 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year list for the state of Florida, he couldn’t help but think about his high school days when he was discouraged from spending time on his computer. Now, he’s a world-class entrepreneur and CEO of Orlando-based HostDime Global Corp., recognized for purpose-driven work putting data centers in underserved places. More from Orlando Inno.
Tourism in Brevard County is on the rise
Over the last several years, more tourists have been coming to the Space Coast, and more importantly, they’ve been staying longer and spending more money, according to a new study by the Space Coast Office of Tourism. "The economic impact of tourism to the community was over four and a half-billion dollars. Just a huge number and it was probably half of that five or six years ago," said Peter Cranis, executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism. More from WESH.
Long time coming: JEA starts getting Plant Vogtle electricity from both reactors
JEA's long wait for getting electricity from both new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle finally ended Monday when the second unit started commercial operation. The expensive electricity from Plant Vogtle in Georgia will help JEA reach its goal of getting 35% of its electricity from "clean energy" sources by 2030 because nuclear energy does not generate carbon dioxide and other emissions that come from burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal and oil. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Florida Law
New moms will no longer need to report for jury duty in Florida
New mothers will no longer have to report for jury duty in Florida, thanks to a bill signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday. HB 461 creates a new excusal for women who recently gave birth. The law is set to take effect on July 1. In order to qualify for this excusal, a woman must have given birth within six months before the reporting date. The new mom will need to request to be exempt from jury service.
» More from NBC Miami.
Profile
Bob Devin Jones helped shape St. Petersburg’s culture. Now he’s retiring.
When Bob Devin Jones strolled into Craft Kafe on a recent Wednesday, he was greeted with nods and salutations, proof that even when he’s away from the Studio@620, everyone knows him. After decades of greenlighting community events and helping the arts and literary scene, Jones, 69, is retiring as artistic director in June.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
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