Is red tide on Florida’s coast here to stay? What to know about easing the toxic bloom
With red tide again frustrating beachgoers since October, many residents may be wondering what can be done about it. Scientists have been working to find technologies that will help lessen the hazardous effects of red tide thanks to the Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative, a partnership between Mote Marine Laboratory and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. But don’t look for them to banish red tide from the earth. It’s been around for centuries. [Source: Miami Herald]
The Florida Legislature may get more power in a public health emergency
A bill filed in response to the pandemic’s early lockdowns and restrictions has passed its first committee. It would give the Florida Legislature more power during public health emergencies. The bill was filed by Rep. Joel Rudman, a physician from the heavily Republican panhandle county of Santa Rosa. “Specifically, it will require legislative approval for any statewide public health emergency that lasts over 90 days,” he told the House Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee. [Source: WUSF]
Florida-based Bealls is rebranding stores to compete with companies like TJ Maxx
Bealls, Inc. is rebranding two of its largest retail chains. The company’s 68 Bealls stores in Florida are becoming Bealls Florida. And the company’s 600 Bealls Outlet and Burkes Outlet stores in 23 states are being rebranded bealls, with a lower case “b.” The word “outlet” is being dropped from the company brand to to avoid misconceptions about the origin and quality of its merchandise, the company said. More from the Miami Herald and the Business Observer.
Legislation to protect Florida's outdoor workers hasn't been considered
Farmworker advocates are calling on the state legislature to take up a bill that would protect outdoor workers in extreme heat. The Heat Illness Prevention bill would require farmers, construction companies and landscapers who employ outdoor workers to educate them about heat illness. Employers would also be asked to provide workers with adequate drinking water, access to shade and 10-minute recovery breaks in extreme heat. [Source: WFSU]
Florida redfish contaminated with drugs. Study finds opioids, psychoactive medications and more.
Redfish, one of the most popular and delicious inshore gamefish in Florida, are contaminated with pharmaceuticals throughout the state, a study by Florida International University and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust has revealed. The research, conducted by scientists at FIU, states that pharmaceuticals enter bays and estuaries through wastewater discharge, sewage leaks and spills, and seepage from septic tanks. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Site of Holocaust Memorial spurs debate, rejection in Florida Senate
As lawmakers consider setting aside a nearby site for monuments, the Senate on Monday rejected a proposed amendment that would have required completing a long-awaited Holocaust memorial in the current Capitol Complex by the end of January 2024. Among the reasons for the rejection of the proposal by Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, was that the nearby site has the “structural integrity” to handle the added weight of the Holocaust memorial and other planned monuments.
› What’s next for the Bonati Spine Institute in Pasco County?
The surgical center at the Bonati Spine Institute in Pasco County has suffered a blow in its efforts to reopen after Florida health care regulators suspended its license last month, alleging immediate danger to patients. The state’s 1st District Court of Appeal denied a request from the surgical center to stop enforcement of an emergency order that shut down the facility March 15. The Agency for Health Care Administration, or AHCA, said in the order that a “certified surgical technologist” had performed multiple procedures even though he wasn’t licensed as a Florida doctor.
› Orange County’s record run of tourist-tax revenue continues
Orange County pulled in $32.6 million from its tourist development tax in February, a record for the month. Comptroller Phil Diamond, whose office tracks receipts from the 6% levy on short-term lodging, also announced Tuesday the revenue allowed the county to add more than $12.4 million to cash-reserve funds from the tax, sometimes known as TDT or the hotel tax. Total TDT reserves stand at $300.4 million, topping a goal adopted by county commissioners last summer.
› FPL approved to reduce monthly bills. But you might not notice after the whopper hike that takes effect in April.
A fuel-cost reduction will bring some relief to Florida Power & Light customers who haven’t yet absorbed the impact of a big price hike approved in March and taking effect this month. The state’s Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved a $494 million fuel charge reduction that will reduce typical 1,000 kWh monthly bills by an average $4.43, or 3.1%.
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› DeSantis administration forbids Chinese drones despite police outcry
Police departments across Florida are shelving millions of dollars in aerial drones because of a new Gov. Ron DeSantis administration rule that takes effect Wednesday. In its latest attempt to stamp out foreign influence in Florida, the DeSantis administration is forbidding government agencies — including police, firefighters and mosquito control districts — from using drones manufactured by China-based Da Jiang Innovations, or DJI, by far the most popular drones in the world.
› Shad Khan’s group acquires city Shipyards property for $3.2 million
Shipyards Office LLC, led by Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s investment company, paid $3.2 million to the city March 31 for office development property near the proposed Four Seasons Hotel & Residences site at the Shipyards along the Downtown Northbank. Downtown Investment Authority CEO Lori Boyer said March 20 that Khan’s company was expected to close that week on buying the 1.05-acre parcel for the office building at a negotiated price of $3.2 million.
› Data-driven insurer continues to disrupt troubled industry
In February, Tampa-based Slide Insurance grew by nearly $300 million in annual premiums, absorbing more than 91,000 policies from St. Petersburg-based UPC Insurance, a property insurance firm that got hit hard by Hurricane Ian-related damage claims. Slide also announced it will accept new business, making it the first Florida-based insurer to do so in 2023, as the industry struggles to rebound from last year’s hurricane-related losses and the state Legislature grapples with sky-high attorney fees and frivolous lawsuits.
› Florida concealed carry goes permitless, and gun instructors hope for the best
Floridians have since 1987 needed a license to lawfully carry a concealed firearm in public. The state requires, essentially, three things: a background check, $97 and a certificate from a class like Adair’s. That changes soon. The Florida Legislature passed a new permitless carry bill in March. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law Monday. Requirements for licensure to carry a concealed weapon sunset July 1 — no more training certificates needed.