Federal job cuts could impact Florida more than other states
There are about 100,000 federal workers in the state, according to congressional data, representing about one out of every 20 federal positions nationwide. Floridians fill a variety of roles for the federal government such as national park rangers, hurricane researchers and veteran’s healthcare workers. The jobs are spread throughout the state, with the largest numbers in areas with military bases and NASA operations. [Source: WLRN]
Michelin adds 14 new restaurants to Florida guide
On Wednesday morning, the guide announced the addition of 14 new “recommended” restaurants in the state, which included eateries in Orlando, Tampa and Miami. The recommendations, which join 10 other restaurants announced in January, are not the same as stars or Bib Gourmand recognition — they are merely meant to “highlight as new” certain additions to a city’s restaurant scene. But being included in the guide does appear to better a restaurant’s chance of getting one of the coveted star ratings later on. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Out-of-state employees, a Paris trip, missing vehicles: Florida legislators question spending
Four high-level Florida employees earning six-figure salaries live out of state and racked up $56,000 in travel expenses, including money spent on trips to Tallahassee, in the last two years, a Florida budget oversight panel has learned. The four data analysts work for the Department of Management Services, which also came under fire after an audit released last week showed a number of glaring data management problems, notably the agency’s inability to keep track of the number of vehicles the state owns. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Farm but no fowl: How Florida aquaculture is growing the economy
Florida’s thriving aquaculture industry is a vital part of the state’s economy, generating more than $165 million in sales annually and supporting jobs across rural and coastal communities. Recognized as agriculture by the Florida Legislature in 1993, aquaculture contributes to food security, environmental sustainability and economic resilience. [Source: UF News]
What to know about the ICE immigration program Florida police are signing onto
Florida sheriffs and police chiefs across the state are signing up to participate in a federal immigration program that empowers local officers to stop and interrogate people about their immigration status in the course of routine police work. The program — known as the 287(g) task force model — is described as a “force multiplier” for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. So far, more than 100 law enforcement agencies in Florida are ready to participate. But the task force model’s history has sparked debates over racial profiling and community trust. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Central Floridians grapple with high egg prices, eating fewer or looking for alternatives
Egg prices are at record highs and Central Florida residents have felt the pinch, with some looking for alternatives or crossing eggs off their shopping lists. In Central Florida stores, egg prices are often higher than the national average, especially for “cage free,” “free range” or organic eggs. At a Publix store, a 12-count of Publix brand large Grade A eggs was priced at $6.54. At an Aldi store in Orlando a sign told customers they could buy no more than two 12-egg cartons at a time.
› Miami-Dade bets on startups to fix its solid waste problem
Most Miamians don’t think twice about what happens after their trash bags hit the curb. But the growing mountain of waste is an urgent problem – one that requires innovation beyond what traditional recycling efforts have achieved. Enter the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA). Today, MDIA launched its fifth Public Innovation Challenge, offering at least $300,000 in funding to startups that can help improve waste diversion and reduce contamination in recycling efforts.
› Collier commissioners won't change the county's golf course conversion rules
In a unanimous decision, Collier commissioners voted not to change the county's rules for converting golf courses into residential developments. On Tuesday, commissioners agreed to let the regulations stand. Under the board's direction, county staff had been working to revise them, in part to make them more legally defensible.
› Federal government reverses plan to move hundreds of Army Corps workers from Jaksonville tower
Hundreds of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees in Jacksonville no longer face the prospect of packing boxes this year for a move out of a downtown office tower in the latest twist in the federal government's head-spinning plans for office space nationwide. An early termination of the lease, which runs through November 2027, would have forced the Corps to find a new location while it also works on overseeing projects such as restoration of the Everglades and storm-eroded beaches along Florida's coast.
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› GE Aerospace plans $4 million investment in Jacksonville facility
GE Aerospace announced March 12 it plans to invest $4 million at its Unison facility in Jacksonville. The site produces ignition systems, power generation and distribution systems, sensors, switches and other components used in commercial and military aircraft engines. It is part of $1 billion that GE Aerospace said it will invest in U.S. manufacturing sites and suppliers the company plans in 2025.
› Cocoa City Council passes resolution urging Rockledge Hospital to stay open
The Cocoa City Council has approved a resolution, asking Orlando Health to reconsider its planned April 22 closing of Rockledge Hospital and to agree to a seven-point plan to help the community's health care needs. Orlando Health bought the 298-bed hospital in October as part of Steward Health Care's bankruptcy proceedings, but on Feb. 20 announced it was closing the hospital, citing the hospital's poor physical condition that the company said made it unsafe for patients and staff.
› New sanitation/storage hub for ports targets meat, medical imports
A lease of Miami International Airport land on the runway this week will provide an option to bring perishables into the airport and PortMiami that now are diverted to Northeastern ports and trucked back to South Florida. The deal could add $318 million to the county’s revenue.
› Moffitt Cancer Center announces executive leadership for new campus
Moffitt Cancer Center recently announced the leader of its Pasco campus, Speros. Josh Carpenter, who holds a doctorate in philosophy, will serve as the president of Speros and Moffitt’s chief integration officer. “Carpenter brings a rare blend of visionary leadership and economic expertise that will propel Speros into its next phase of growth,” says Dr. Patrick Hwu, president and CEO of Moffitt.