Can vulnerable Florida contain coronavirus? Experts are concerned.
2.7 million Floridians live without health insurance. The statistic is one of three factors that make Florida an especially vulnerable place as the coronavirus begins to make inroads. A “perfect storm” of factors — the uninsured, underemployed and elderly — are working against the state as it confronts an unprecedented threat. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
See also:
» State Department issues warning to travelers: Don’t take a cruise
» Florida bracing for coronavirus tourism impacts
» Coronavirus pushes Florida gas prices down to lowest in a year
» Coronavirus has Florida using Instacart like it’s hurricane season
» Central Florida feeling economic blows of coronavirus fears
» Can vulnerable Florida contain coronavirus? Experts are concerned.
» Cruise lines say they’ll beef up screening and other measures to fight the coronavirus
» Coronavirus: Florida’s week of miscues, miscommunication
Florida gator trappers want more money per skin
A pillar of Old Florida’s swamp economy is drying up as prices plummet for wild alligator hide – a market downturn with repercussions for trappers as well as the state’s swelling suburbia. For 40 years, state-contracted nuisance alligator hunters have answered the call to wrangle the iconic reptiles when one gets too close for comfort. They do it because their daddies did it, because it’s a lifestyle, because it’s a public service. [Source: Palm Beach Daily News]
Florida lobster got a break on China tariffs. Then came coronavirus.
Like other commercial fishermen along the east and west coasts, Ethan Wallace had been waiting 18 months for China — the world’s largest importer of live lobster — to lift its crushing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. seafood that had whittled down his profits. This week, that moment came: Beijing started allowing Chinese businesses to apply for tariff exemptions. But for Wallace, it no longer mattered. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A new downtown may rise near the Everglades. Here’s the plan to make it happen.
It’s considered the jewel of Broward, this massive swath of public land that lies next to the Everglades in Sunrise. It’s almost 140 acres — the foundation for creating a downtown-like destination, complete with offices, condos, stores, restaurants and much more. Now, Broward wants to recruit a monster company with a ton of money willing to relocate there to help create a mix of redevelopment. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Orlando Sentinel.
eMerge Americas tech conference postponed until November
eMerge Americas, South Florida’s marquee annual tech conference, has been postponed until November 4, 2020, due to concerns over coronavirus, the company announced Friday. The conference had originally been slated for March 30-31, 2020. “We’re committed to the health & well-being of our attendees, partners, & community as a whole,” eMerge CEO Felice Gorordo said in a statement. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida will fully fund affordable housing, give state workers raises, lawmakers say
Florida will fully fund its affordable housing programs and give a 3 percent raise to state employees, state lawmakers announced Saturday. Lawmakers will also fund Visit Florida, the state’s tourism arm, at $50 million for another year, they said.
› How long to redevelop the Ray’s home turf in St. Petersburg? Mayor Kriseman won’t say
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman said the redevelopment of Tropicana Field is imminent. That was back in 2018. And yet the critical first step in the process — asking companies to compete for a city contract to develop the potentially lucrative 86-acre site — hasn’t happened and may not happen any time soon. Even though Kriseman said it would more than a year ago.
› Florida Senate approves water measure aimed at easing algae blooms
A sweeping water quality measure sought by Gov. Ron DeSantis was approved Friday by the Florida Senate, with supporters calling it a major step toward easing runoff from farms and development that have fed algae blooms plaguing the state. Environmental groups warn the legislation (SB 712) doesn’t go far enough and have criticized lawmakers for allowing farms to self-monitor their runoff into waterways — although farms would now have to be inspected every two years.
› CureQuest opens in Jacksonville, will offer clinical trial
CureQuest Clinical is having a grand opening March 24 in Jacksonville as it launches its first Medicare-covered clinical trial enrolling Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia qualified patients. The research is designed to help relieve discomfort to patients who suffer from nerve pain of the lower leg and foot.
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› St. Pete preservationists get grant to save historic properties
Preserve the ‘Burg, the impassioned group that has drawn the ire of some property owners and the admiration of others, is taking a significant step. The group announced it has received a $75,000 grant that will be used to establish a fund to help pursue its preservation efforts by buying and saving historic structures.
› More Daytona development set for LPGA area
The development surge along Daytona’s LPGA corridor could soon become a flood. Projects are planned on both sides of Interstate 95 that could bring more shops, eateries, hotels, homes, apartments and possibly a movie theater. Not to mention a whole bunch more traffic.
› Lobbyist sought city benefits for Westside property he owned with ex-JEA CEO Aaron Zahn
Local lobbyist Deno Hicks sought financial incentives from City Hall for a Westside property he co-owns with JEA’s now-fired chief executive officer Aaron Zahn and that he is now trying to sell to a company affiliated with Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Florida’s former Lt. Governor.
› Tom Lee drops small business exemption from E-Verify proposal
Changes introduced on the Senate floor expand the number of businesses that may be subject to employment verification requirements. Sen. Tom Lee on Friday filed a substantial amendment to his bill (SB 664) regarding mandatory use of the E-Verify system. Senators approved that amendment on the first reading of the bill.