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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
As inflation rises, Floridians say it’s hard to pay their bills
Nearly half of Floridians included in a recent survey say inflation has impacted their ability to pay essential bills. The finding comes from a survey conducted by the University of South Florida, asking 600 Floridians how price hikes have impacted their spending — and their attitudes on various related policy issues. Inflation has impacted Floridians’ spending on everything from food to housing, the survey found. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
COVID-19 infections once again on the rise in Florida
Florida’s pandemic respite appears to be over. COVID-19 infections are once again climbing across the state, and a new variant could be responsible. The state recorded nearly 3,000 cases per day, on average, over the most recent seven-day period from April 15 to Friday. That’s nearly double the 1,600 average daily caseload from two weeks earlier, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Gainesville Sun.
FSU economist says recession possible in 2023
Florida in general and the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area specifically, have recovered from COVID-19 job losses more quickly than the rest of the country, Florida State University economist Jerry Parrish said Friday morning at the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 Economic Outlook breakfast. Parrish was cautiously optimistic about the economic future, but said a recession appears likely by early 2023, though it would be different from the Great Recession, which was driven by a protracted housing crisis. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Opponents launch legal fight against redistricting plan
After Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed into law new congressional district lines that he pushed lawmakers to pass, the controversial plan immediately drew a legal challenge. Voting-rights groups such as the League of Women Voters of Florida and 12 individual plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in Leon County circuit court contending the congressional map (SB 2-C) fails to comply with state redistricting laws and is “a naked attempt” by DeSantis to “rig” congressional elections for Republicans. [Source: News Service of Florida]
DeSantis dissolves Disney’s Reedy Creek district. What it means for Florida counties, taxpayers
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature's actions to start the clock on dissolving a special self-governance district created for The Walt Disney Co. in 1967 could have dramatic impacts for two Orlando-area counties and their taxpayers. It could mean big tax increases for residents of Orange and Osceola counties, as taxpayers would suddenly have to pick up the costs of everything from fire protection to road maintenance within Disney property.More from Florida Today, the Tampa Bay Times, and the Orlando Sentinel.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Palm Beach International Raceway closes after final races
The era of car racing in Palm Beach County is now over, as Palm Beach International Raceway had its "Last Lap" event on Saturday, ahead of the sale and demolition of the nearly 60-year-old track. The track opened in 1964, and on Saturday the local racing community had the chance to come together to enjoy the sport they love one last time.
› Orange County sales-tax hike will ‘likely’ make the November ballot
After headlining an economic summit on mobility options, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings predicted a divided county commission will put his proposed sales-tax increase for transportation on the November ballot when the board faces the issue Tuesday. “I believe most have warmed up to the idea of allowing the citizens to make the decision for themselves and not have us make the decision on their behalf,” the mayor told a group of reporters. “I believe that it is likely going to pass at the board of county commission.”
› Tampa Electric grapples with gas prices
Florida electric utilities continue to get hammered by high natural gas prices. Tampa Electric Co. notified state regulators Thursday it is facing higher-than-expected fuel costs, though it did not file a proposal to quickly pass along the costs to customers. Each year, the Florida Public Service Commission sets the amounts that utilities can collect for power-plant fuel in the following year.
› Moishe Mana spent $500 million on Miami’s Flagler Street. Can he make his vision reality?
Twelve years after Mana bought his first piece of what eventually became extensive land holdings in Wynwood, where he is the largest landowner, and eight since he turned his attention to amassing properties in the central business district, he said he’s finally, truly nailed down his plan. Now he’s ready to start rebuilding downtown Miami. He’s the biggest property owner there, too.
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