Florida's freshwater supplies can't keep up with population growth
The Sunshine State could be facing a significant water shortage as early as next year, according to a report from the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research. According to the EDR report which was published in June - to maintain the status quo, Florida would need to invest almost $1.7 billion into critical infrastructure projects through 2040, to avoid a significant water supply shortage. [Source: The Center Square]
Florida’s school book battle moves into public libraries
At the same time the Nassau County school district was agreeing to return dozens of books to its library shelves, the Pasco County government was removing some of the same books from its public library system. After having a book about a transgender youth brought to his attention, commissioner Seth Weightman asked county staff to identify any books with similar content in the system and review its appropriateness for children. He referred to Florida laws relating to school book challenges and instruction about gender — laws the state has said do not apply to books that are not required reading. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Want to vote in Florida's general election? Here's how to register and check your voter status
The general election is less than two months away, so if you haven't followed the advice from Taylor Swift and others, you do have some time left to register to vote if you plan to cast your ballot. But don't wait too long. The deadline to register to vote in Florida comes in early October. [Source: TC Palm]
Florida homeless law: Survey shows cities and counties making scant progress
Florida leaders are on the hunt for more shelter beds for people who sleep on sidewalks, under highway overpasses and in the woods. But with less than three weeks until a new state homelessness law goes into effect, they’re not making progress nearly as quickly as that law suggests they should. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Publix prepares to pour $121 million into technology campus
Publix Super Markets’ technology campus in downtown Lakeland is moving closer to reality — and it may have a dramatic impact on the local economy. The grocery giant hasn’t disclosed many details about the project. However, documents filed with the city of Lakeland and Polk County reveal that Publix plans to hire at least 200 highly paid IT workers over the next four years. [Source: WUSF]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Timeshare giant Westgate Resorts considers major Ocoee investment
Westgate Resorts is seeking incentives to move more than 106 jobs to Ocoee, with the potential for more in the future. The Orlando-based timeshare resort company is being considered for a grant from Ocoee's community redevelopment agency for up to $127,200 for fiscal-year 2024-2025, according to city documents.
› How four unique businesses are growing amid the First Coast's busy event scene
Jacksonville’s catering industry is experiencing significant growth, with local businesses expanding their offerings and facilities to meet increasing demand. From long-established companies to newer, innovative services, caterers in the area are finding creative ways to enhance customer experiences. Full-service catering businesses are offering expanded event spaces and adding diverse services, while mobile bar services are on the rise, providing unique options for weddings and corporate events.
› County moves toward making new car washes a harder sell in Pasco
Future car washes may be an endangered species in Pasco County, if the County Commission proceeds with adopting new rules that could severely curtail the industry’s growth. One of the most notable changes: Car washes will be prohibited in the Connected City, the county’s northern and southern innovation zones, as well as the community hub special planning areas.
› Years behind schedule, the American Dream Miami mega-mall could get a subsidy boost
As the developers behind the American Dream Miami mega-mall try to revive the stalled $4 billion project, Miami-Dade County might use property taxes to cover some costs. Legislation set for a final vote Tuesday by the County Commission would water down a subsidy ban imposed on the retail theme park six years ago.
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› Trial in Florida ‘ghost candidate’ case set to begin
A criminal case that opened a window to a plot to help Republicans win important 2020 Florida Senate races by propping up fake progressive Senate candidates with shadowy money is headed to trial, with a South Florida political operative fighting the charges.
› Sarasota entrepreneurs buy three Florida companies in six years
For Gavin Broadfoot and Morne Hobson, three just might be their magic number. The business partners and natives of South Africa bought their first Florida business, The Upholstery Shoppe of Sarasota, in 2018. In 2022, they purchased Yarnall Moving and Storage Solutions in Sarasota. And just recently, the partners acquired Carpet Source in Winter Park.
› CEO of Miami hospitals ignores subpoena from Congress. What happens now?
The CEO of a troubled healthcare system in bankruptcy ignored a legal order to testify in front of Congress on Thursday. Steward Health Care System CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre had been summoned to Washington to answer questions on the health company’s finances and the handling of its hospitals.
› Palm Coast asks residents to limit water usage after ‘unprecedented’ rainfall
The city of Palm Coast asked residents to reduce their water usage because unexpected rain poses the threat of a backup in local wastewater plants, according to a news release. The wastewater treatment facility took on over six million gallons of water in a single day. That’s equivalent to 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water.