Florida overdose fatalities fall but deaths still at ‘historical high’
A surge in overdoses and deaths from drugs laced with fentanyl over the past decade has been dubbed the “fourth wave” of the nation’s opioid epidemic. But for the first time since 2018, the number of overdose deaths across the U.S. last year fell. Overdose deaths in Florida dropped by 8% the same year, the CDC data shows, but that still left the state’s death toll at more than 7,300. Experts warn that fentanyl use remains a crisis that needs more resources. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida has 7th best economy in country, Wallet Hub study finds
Florida has the seventh-best economy in the country, according to a new analysis from Wallet Hub. The Sunshine State’s economy is so large that if it were a country, it would rank in the top 20 in the world. Other states with strong economies include Washington State, California and Texas. Florida ranks fourth in economic activity and second in economic health but only ranks 31st for innovation potential. [Source: News 4 Jax]
New research aims to revitalize Florida's citrus industry
From hurricanes to invasive pests and diseases, it's been more than just a rough few years for Florida's citrus, more like a rough few decades. After Hurricane Ian, for the first time in history, the state of California has taken over the title of the biggest producer of oranges in the United States. However, work continues to address the reasons why Florida's citrus industry has struggled, and farmers and experts are working nonstop to bring it back. [Source: WWSB]
Small business, medical freedom and drug policy collide: Will DeSantis veto hemp bill?
Thousands of Floridians have called and written Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office to urge him to veto a bill that they say would effectively neuter the state’s hemp market and make it harder for consumers to access products they need for their mental and physical health. DeSantis’ office, which has not formally received the bill from the Legislature, declined to comment on the governor’s stance. [Source: Miami Herald]
Feds still weighing Florida wetlands case appeal
The Biden administration said Monday it is still deciding whether to appeal a U.S. district judge’s ruling that the federal government improperly shifted permitting authority to Florida for projects that affect wetlands. U.S. Department of Justice attorneys also urged a federal appeals court to reject a request by Florida to expedite handling of the case. While the Justice Department has not decided whether to appeal, Florida in April launched its own appeal of the ruling by U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss. [Source: Click Orlando]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Key support emerges for Orange County rural growth-control vote
The up-again, down-again proposal to put an Orange County rural growth-control referendum on the November ballot may be headed toward an improbable victory, as county Mayor Jerry Demings said for the first time Tuesday he is “leaning towards doing something with a rural boundary.” The county board’s final decision is probably weeks away but Demings’ support lays out a path that would thwart state legislators and developers who tried to strangle the ballot proposal in its cradle through a preemption clause added to a commerce bill earlier this year.
› Could thousands of new Florida homes on Sarasota Bay harm ancient burial grounds?
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is raising concerns that a major housing development along Sarasota Bay could disturb sites holding centuries-old Native American artifacts. Plans for Aqua by the Bay, a project by Carlos Beruff’s Medallion Home, call for over 500 single-family homes, 2,300 multi-family units and 78,000 square feet of commercial retail space. It will stretch over about 520 acres along El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton.
› Jacksonville chef vies for $250,000 on reality show in England
A local Jacksonville chef is vying for $250,000 as part of Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars reality show. Roman Desmond opened the Hot Box Pretzels food truck in February 2023 — just a few months before the British chef's show first season started airing. “As soon as I saw the show, I was like, 'Oh, this show’s perfect for me,'” Desmond said.
› C-suite shake up as Hertz COO quits and firm names third CFO in two years
The Hertz Co. is once again reorganizing it executive office, this time bringing in a new CFO, its third since March of last year, as its chief operating officer departs. The global car rental giant, based in Estero, announced Monday that Scott Haralson had been hired as CFO, replacing Alexandra Brooks, who took on the role permanently less than a year ago.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Condo development could replace a chunk of Jungle Island theme park in Miami
A real estate developer wants to build a condo development and a free park on the site of Miami’s Jungle island, changing course from a plan that would add a hotel and attractions to the theme park. Jungle Island, whose roots go back to 1936, could remain with a smaller footprint. The theme park moved to Miami’s Watson Island in 2003 from its original Pinecrest location.
› Triton Submarines CEO will join Ohio billionaire on a voyage to Titanic wreckage
Sebastian-based Triton Submarine is designing a submersible for Ohio billionaire Larry Connor to venture to the Titanic wreckage site, and the voyage will have a special passenger. Triton CEO Patrick Lahey will join Connor on the adventure. Connor contacted Lahey about venturing to the Titanic wreck following the Titan submersible implosion June 18, 2023.
› The Factory St. Pete was sold and changes are afoot
St. Petersburg’s artistic community has been buzzing with rumors of major changes coming to The Factory St. Pete, the creative compound in the Warehouse Arts District. And now the word is out: It was sold to a new owner last week. One major change is that Fairgrounds will expand and will now be known as FloridaRAMA.
› MOSH $1.5 million shy of $40 million fundraising goal as deadline approaches
The Museum of Science & History is $1.5 million shy of meeting an extended deadline to raise $40 million in private funds to build its proposed new facility on the Northbank, MOSH CEO Alistair Dove said June 3. In a presentation to the Meninak Club of Jacksonville civic organization, Dove said the museum has raised $38.5 million toward the June 30 deadline for private funding tied to MOSH’s redevelopment agreement with the Downtown Investment Authority for the property for its new museum.