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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
State tax projections get $2.77 billion bump
Economists added $2.77 billion to the state’s general-revenue tax projections for the current fiscal year and next fiscal year, giving lawmakers more money to play with when they start drawing up a budget. The economists, who serve as the state Revenue Estimating Conference, had included the prospect of a “mild” recession in a forecast earlier this year. But the panel now expects more stability in most economic areas as Florida moves beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida’s heat takes a toll on health. Shade provides relief — but not for all
As the climate warms, a person’s health and quality of life hinges, in part, on the block where they live or work. Green space and shade can be the difference between a child playing outside and being stuck inside on hot summer days, the difference between an elderly person fainting while waiting for a bus and boarding safely, the difference between a construction worker suffering heat stroke on the job and going home to their family. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Court to hear 'Stop WOKE' business fight
A federal appeals court this week will hear arguments in a fight about a 2022 Florida law that placed restrictions on how race-related issues can be addressed in workplace training — part of what Gov. Ron DeSantis dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act.” Attorneys for the state want the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a preliminary injunction that Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued last year to block the workplace-training part of the law. Walker agreed with businesses and a consultant that the restrictions violated the First Amendment. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Cold weather in Florida? Folklore says woolly bear caterpillars can predict the winter
It's so hot in Florida, we'll believe anything. The Farmers' Almanac recently released its 2024 winter weather predictions and a story on its site talks about a woolly bear caterpillar's supposed ability to predict winter weather. The fuzzy caterpillars have been spotted in Florida − does that mean they can predict how cold it'll get in the Sunshine State? [Source: Gainesville Sun]
New laws aim to stabilize Florida's insurance market ahead of peak hurricane season
Last year, Hurricane Ian caused more than $16 billion in damage in South Florida. Lawmakers say the storm strained the state's insurance market beyond anything seen before. This year, the state passed three laws aimed at stabilizing the market and keeping insurance companies in business. Another major storm could threaten Florida's already fragile homeowner's insurance market. [Source: CBS]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› A new plan to armor Miami’s coast against storms is in motion: This time, no giant walls
A brand new set of protections for Miami-Dade’s storm-prone coast — and billions of federal dollars to pay for it — is once again on the table after the county agreed to move forward with a new coastal protection study with the Army Corps of Engineers. The county tried this in 2018, but after three years, Miami-Dade shot down the nearly $5 billion plan the federal government devised to keep the coast safe from storm surge, mainly over concerns that the tall walls along the coast the Corps suggested were ugly and unwanted by residents.
› Brevard arts, cultural groups stunned after losing grant money
For years, Brevard County has used some of its tourist tax money to award grants to arts and cultural organizations. But, in a surprise move earlier this month, the County Commission voted to not award those grants for the coming budget year, and instead commit the money to hiring more ocean lifeguards. The move came as Florida Rep. Randy Fine was railing against a proposed $15,000 cultural grant to Space Coast Pride, an LGBTQ+ organization that sponsors an annual Pridefest event in downtown Melbourne.
› How Orlando foodies are helping Maui wildfire victims
The Maui wildfires that ensnared Lahaina last week have left the area, known for its historic coastal charm, nearly all barren. Images showing the aftermath of the destruction lie in stark contrast to how some local restaurant owners have come to know Hawaii, a place many take culinary inspiration from, said Ricky Ly, founder of local Orlando food and travel guide TastyChomps.com. “There’s lots of great inspiration,” Ly said.
› Tampa Bay’s afternoon storms are a summer staple. Why is this year different?
This summer in Tampa Bay has been a continuous loop of raging hot days blurring into blistering summer nights. For those new to the area, the prolonged heat may be expected. It’s Florida, after all. It’s hot. But those who have spent summers in the area know there’s something missing — afternoon storms.
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