Florida lawmakers move forward on vaccine mandate bills
Florida lawmakers advanced multiple bills limiting mask and vaccine mandates during the first day of a contentious special session of the state Legislature requested by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Committees in the Republican-controlled House and Senate voted for bills that would require private employers to accommodate employees who do not want to be vaccinated and, eventually, swap federal oversight of workplace safety for state oversight. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Voter-passed tax referenda generate a bonanza for local governments, inviting pushback from the Legislature
Local governments rely on property taxes and charges for services (like water and sewer) for more than half of their revenue. Other revenue sources include some state sales tax receipts that the state shares with counties and cities. Florida law also gives counties the option to add certain limited surtaxes on top of the state sales tax, with the funds going to meet specific local needs. [Source: Florida Trend]
NASA sees alligators as indicators of lagoon health in new plan to improve the waterway
It appears that alligators are to wetlands what canaries are to coal mines: early detectors of environmental catastrophes, only with nastier dispositions and sharp teeth. So Kennedy Space Center wants to tap alligator blood for insights into how toxins from excess algae might be harming their ilk and other wildlife in the Indian River Lagoon. [Source: Florida Today]
Florida's gas prices continue small drops even as holiday travel ramps up
Gas prices in Florida declined by just one cent last week after a huge jump in October that sent the cost to its highest in eight years. The average price across the Sunshine State was $3.27 a gallon on Sunday. But three weeks of slow decline may be the start of a continued slide at the pump, according to the AAA-Auto Club Group's weekly gas prices briefing. [Source: Gainesville Sun]
They were bypassed by #MiamiTech’s boom. So here’s what Black entrepreneurs did
Amid the #MiamiTech wave that has swept over the city in the past year, Black entrepreneurs are molding their own avenues of success. Their aims are the same as that of other tech founders — but with greater urgency: to create generational wealth while uplifting and empowering Black and Brown communities through innovation. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Orlando home prices go back on the rise in October as inventory shrinks
The median home price in metro Orlando hit another record high as housing inventory shrank for the first time in six months, signs that the market is still carrying some heat even as the weather cools. The median home price hit an all-time high of $325,000 in October, according to the latest report from the Orlando Regional Realtor Association. Home prices dipped slightly in September to $318,000 from a previous high of $320,000 that had held for two months over the summer.
› Central Pasco job fair slated for Friday
Pasco County Human Resources is sponsoring a central county job fair from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday at the Pasco County Utilities Building at 19420 Central Boulevard in Land O’Lakes. The county has numerous positions open ranging from 911 operators to bus drivers and is anxious to introduce potential new employees to Pasco’s organization and employee benefits.
› Miami Beach property owners sue city for raising road for sea rise, causing flooding
The constant complaints that Miami Beach’s plans to raise roads in the face of sea rise would flood nearby homes has finally resulted in lawsuits. A group of property owners sued the city for raising the road in front of their houses and sending floodwater into their property, making it unusable as a short-term rental.
› Jacksonville-based Firehouse Subs sold for $1 billion to Burger King, Popeyes owner
Firehouse Subs, the Jacksonville-based restaurant chain founded by Jacksonville firefighters more than 25 years ago, is set to be acquired by Restaurant Brands International Inc. in a $1 billion deal. Restaurant Brands International, which also owns Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons, announced the all-cash plan to buy Firehouse Subs Monday morning.
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› Change in character? Siesta Key business owners react to new hotels
As plans for new hotels unburdened by previous county restrictions on the number of rooms allowed move forward on Siesta Key, many of the island's residents have tried to stop them. Business owners also said they have their concerns about how building tall hotels with more than 100 units, on-site dining and more tourists packing the beaches will eventually take a toll on the lively, eclectic island.
› South Florida could have another Wynwood-type neighborhood on the way
South Floridians could soon have another significant attraction for nightlife and entertainment: A Wynwood-type neighborhood transformed from a barren downtown area into a bustling destination. Nora, named after the North Railroad Avenue, would be the site of the over 12 acre-project in West Palm Beach, encompassing more than 130,000 square feet of restaurants, coffee shops, art, retail, housing and office space just south of Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard by the railroad tracks and Dixie Highway.
› Downtown Sarasota staple to reopen Tuesday
After being closed for three months, a downtown Sarasota staple is reopening. Bijou Garden Café is set to reopen Tuesday, Nov. 16, following a brief period of renovations and restorations to the building. The restaurant has been part of the area since 1986, although now it’s operating under a new owner.
› Job fair for military veterans Nov. 18 in Jacksonville
Military veterans in Jacksonville looking for a job can connect with employers Nov. 18 at TIAA Bank Field. The Jacksonville Veterans Job Fair presented by RecruitMilitary is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second level of the TIAA East Club. Parking and admission are free. Online registration is available for transitioning personnel, discharged veterans and their spouses and dependents.