Milton estimated losses near $1.9B
Six days after Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida, estimated insured losses increased Tuesday to $1.865 billion, according to data posted on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website. Numbers of claims and estimated insured losses have steadily risen — and are expected to continue to increase as property owners report damage to insurers. The state data showed that 152,183 claims had been reported as of Tuesday, including 124,660 involving residential property. [Source: The News Service of Florida]
Florida rolls out emergency loans for small businesses hit by Hurricane Milton
In the wake of Hurricane Milton's devastation, the State of Florida has introduced the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support affected small businesses. According to Florida Commerce, this initiative provides short-term, zero-interest loans designed to offer immediate financial relief, helping businesses stay afloat until they can secure long-term recovery funding. [Source: CBS12]
Amendment 3: Here’s what it means for Florida voters
Supporters are pushing for Floridians to have the right to use marijuana for recreational purposes. But those urging Floridians to "just say no" insist the amendment runs the risk of filling the coffers of big corporations eager to cash in on state licenses. Florida would become the 25th state to legalize recreational marijuana. [Source: FOX13]
Flesh-eating bacteria cases in Florida more than double since Hurricane Helene, Milton, FDOH says
Flesh-eating bacteria cases have surged in the last few weeks since Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton swept through, according to data from the Florida Department of Health. Vibrio vulnificusa, a naturally occurring but potentially fatal bacterial infection, thrives in warm floodwaters when hurricanes and tropical storms push brackish water along the coast and into rivers and canals, filling them and low-lying areas with rainwater, pollutants, sewage and debris. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Commentary: Time to trim the tax burden for Florida salons, barbershops
According to a recent study, the Sunshine State is home to the nation’s highest percentage of small businesses. An incredible 64% of our companies have less than five employees, many of whom rely on customer tips to support their families. This is especially true for hair stylists, barbers, and nail technicians. In Florida, these small businesses, owned nearly 50% by women and nearly a third by minorities, employ more than 31,000 people. [Source: Florida Politics]
| Trend Mention |
|
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Fla. officials say insurance market ‘did dodge a bullet’ with Helene, Milton
Will back-to-back major hurricanes knock over Florida’s still wobbly property insurance market? State officials say no way, yet concern lingers.
› Miami-Dade office leases hit largest slowdown since pandemic, report says
This has been the slowest year for office leasing activity in Miami-Dade County since the start of the pandemic, a new market report stated.
› Tallahassee firefighters accept tentative 3-year contract, heads to city commission
The Tallahassee Professional Firefighters union voted to approve a tentative three-year contract between the city and the union Monday night. It now heads to city commissioners for a vote before final ratification.
› Medical device company moves global headquarters to South Florida
InspireMD, a commercial-stage medical device company, is opening a global headquarters in South Florida as it prepares to launch a new product.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Here's how to view the once-in-a-lifetime bright comet before it's too late
While the comet – a frozen remnant of dust, rock and ice from the solar system's origin, according to NASA – reached its brightest at about 36.4 million miles from the sun on Sept. 27, the best views of the comet from earth are in early to mid-October, weather permitting.
› Florida Walgreens stores face potential closure as 1,200 locations to shutter
Walgreens Boots Alliance, the parent company of the eponymous drugstore chain, says it will close 1,200 stores within the next three years with about 500 of those shutting down in fiscal 2025.
› Northrop Grumman to expand at Melbourne airport with large facility featuring 50' high bay
Northrop Grumman plans to expand its campus at Melbourne Orlando International Airport by constructing a 303,600-square-foot office building attached to a 50-foot-tall high bay, modernizing its engineering-design hub for advanced aircraft like the B-21 Raider stealth bomber.
› Entrepreneur Anthony Perera expands Ella Coffee House to Coral Springs, plans for 20 more locations across Florida
Perera has expanded his business portfolio once again, this time with the opening of the newest Ella Coffee House in Coral Springs.
"After storms like this, we have an opportunity to create stronger building codes, elevate structures and do the things we need to do to keep this from happening again."
Historically, developers have built over wetlands, mangroves and other parts of Florida’s environment that naturally protect from flooding, said Watson, an assistant professor in the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management at the University of Florida. But moving forward, builders have an opportunity to create more resilient neighborhoods by preserving the wetlands that are left and installing green infrastructure. Watson pointed to the Babcock Ranch planned community near Punta Gorda as an example.
Read more at the Tampa Bay Times