Abortions in Florida declined sharply after the six-week ban, but not as much as expected
There were approximately 8,050 clinician-provided abortions per month in Florida during the first three months of this year. That dropped about 30% to 5,630 in May, when the six-week ban took effect, and 35% in June at 5,200. The decline also followed a large increase in abortions in April, as patients rushed to seek care before the ban took effect. There were 9,730 abortions in Florida that month. [Source: Health News Florida]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Q&A: Kathleen M. Amm
Kathleen M. Amm is the director of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University. She tells us: "It’s a very exciting time for high magnetic research, and I’m working with a lot of incredibly smart people, and as director my goal is I just want to help them be successful." [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida cites 'consequences' of wetlands ruling
Florida this week argued a federal appeals court should overturn a ruling about permitting for projects that affect wetlands, contending that “disastrous consequences flow” from the ruling. Attorneys for the state late Monday filed a 74-page brief at the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in the battle about a 2020 decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to shift permitting authority to the state. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Formation chances rise as NHC monitors disturbance that could develop, impact Florida soon
The National Hurricane Center is watching an area of interest in the Caribbean that some models say could have a path toward Florida. According to the NHC, a broad area of low pressure is expected to form late this weekend or early next week over the western/northwestern Caribbean Sea. As the system slowly starts to move north or northwest after that, officials say gradual development is possible. The NHC says a tropical depression could form by the middle of next week. More from WESH and WFTV.
World's rarest sea turtle finds hope in Florida after record-breaking nesting year
According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, statewide preliminary totals as of Aug. 31 showed a staggering 24 confirmed Kemp's ridley nests. This represents a significant increase from the 10 nests recorded last year and the eight nests recorded in 2022. [Source: Fox Weather]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Jacksonville task force to examine ‘loophole’ in regulations for historic properties
Citing a risk to Jacksonville’s historic buildings by owners who either don’t bother to take care of the structures or deliberately let them deteriorate in order to skirt preservation regulations, the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission launched a task force to examine the issue.
› Federal report on Surfside collapse won’t be released until 2026. What’s taking so long?
Delays in the federal probe into what caused the deadly Champlain Towers South condo collapse in 2021 mean a draft report on the findings is now expected in 2026, a year later than previously estimated. In a Sept. 12 update, an investigative team with the National Institute of Standards and Technology said a variety of challenges related to testing, obtaining documents and interviewing witnesses have slowed down the process.
› Iconic Tupperware Brands seeks Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Tupperware Brands, the company that revolutionized food storage decades ago, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Orlando, Florida-based Tupperware plans to continue operating during the bankruptcy proceedings and will seek court approval for a sale, “in order to protect its iconic brand,” the company said.
› New artificial reef projects are underway in the Florida Keys
Two more artificial reef projects are underway in the Florida Keys. That was announced by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff today. Jessica McCawley is the FWC Director of Marine Fisheries Management. She says the Monroe County program is working to create a network of sites in the Gulf. That network would be placed inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
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› Port Canaveral-bound Disney Treasure cruise ship leaves shipyard on way to sea trials
The latest vessel in Disney Cruise Line’s growing fleet left its shipyard home on Wednesday making the slow 20-mile river trip so it can complete sea trials ahead of a debut from Port Canaveral later this year. The Disney Treasure, a sister ship to Disney Wish that debuted in 2022 and also calls Port Canaveral home, left the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany making its way on the Ems River toward the North Sea.
› Movie director to open studio headquarters in Miami Beach
A digital studio led by experimental movie director Harmony Korine will relocate its headquarters to Miami Beach in November. EDGLRD, a digital-IP studio that produces content using computer generated imagery, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, will move into a 30,000-square-foot creative office on the fourth floor of 230 Lincoln Road.
› Badcock's bankrupt Texas parent cutting nearly 70 jobs in Lakeland
Conn’s Inc., the Texas retailer that bought Polk County-based W.S. Badcock a few months before filing for bankruptcy, is laying off 67 employees as it closes a store and warehouse center in Lakeland. The furniture company says in a letter to state officials that the job cuts are happening because it is shutting the facility as it winds down operations during the bankruptcy process.
› Great Wolf Lodge to launch early in Naples
Launching a week earlier than originally announced, the massive Great Wolf Lodge South Florida resort and indoor water park will open Sept. 18 in the Naples area. The 500-room Great Wolf Lodge offers a sizable economic impact to Collier County with its wealth of family fun under one roof, including its expansive water park and adventure park with many dining and entertainment options.