More foods are making us sick: What to know as foodborne outbreaks hit Florida
In just the last few months, food such as Boar’s Head Deli Meats, cucumbers, and even fresh basil have sent Floridians to the hospital. Foodborne illnesses are rising, and food safety experts expect to see more people sickened by food contamination going forward. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Business Beat - Week of November 22nd
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida jobless claims down
Unemployment claims in Florida dipped last week to the lowest number since around the time Hurricane Helene hit the state in late September. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 6,013 first-time unemployment claims were filed in Florida during the week that ended Nov. 16, down from a revised count of 6,660 during the week that ended Nov. 9. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida's Canadian drug import plan goes nowhere after the FDA's approval
Nearly a year after the Biden administration gave Florida the green light to become the first state to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada — a longtime goal of politicians across the political spectrum, including President-elect Donald Trump — the program has yet to begin. [Source: Health News Florida]
Citizens Insurance expects to end the year ‘well under’ 1 million policies
Aggressive efforts to depopulate state-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will leave the company with “well under” 1 million policies by the end of 2024 — the first time in years that the policy count has declined. Fewer policies means less exposure and lower chances that nearly all of the state’s insurance customers will face assessments if a series of major hurricanes strike the state. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› The deal to keep the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg is likely dead
It looks like the deal to keep the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg is dead. The team wants to renegotiate the deal - but it's unclear whether that is going to happen. The death knell was sounded Thursday on the deal to transform the Tropicana Field site for a multi-use center anchored by a new baseball stadium. It came after St. Petersburg city council members delayed their vote on bonds to pay for the stadium until January 9th.
› Jacksonville plant that's made millions of bottles for Anheuser-Busch will close
The Anchor Glass Container Corp. manufacturing plant on Huron Street is heading toward closure, ending a century-long run of glass bottle-making at the location under different company names. The shuttering of the only remaining glass bottle manufacturing plant in Florida will affect employment of 144 people.
› Palm Beach Zoo: What started as a humble farm has morphed into a full animal experience
If Paul Dreher were around today to visit the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach, he would no doubt be amazed. The zoo began with a small red barn with a few ducks, chickens, and a goat named Pepita. Since then, it has evolved into a 23-acre tropical habitat with dedicated areas such as “Florida Wetlands” where appropriate species reside.
› SeaPort Manatee cargo volume up 7.2%, sets new fiscal record
SeaPort Manatee moved a record amount of cargo in fiscal year 2024, port officials say, and its economic impact is up more than 40% year over year. Key commodities SeaPort Manatee moves include fresh produce, fruit juices, construction and road-building materials and phosphate rock as well as gasoline and other fuels.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Four South Florida entrepreneurs pitched ideas in front of a ‘Shark Tank’ judge. Here’s who won
Multimillionaire entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” panelist Daymond John was at the center of an intense pitch competition in downtown Miami on Tuesday night. But no TV cameras were present for the contest, where four participants had five minutes to make their pitch to John and three judges.
› Tampa port CEO’s pay this year: nearly $1 million
Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson will earn almost $1 million this year, the most he’s ever been paid. The leaders of Tampa’s port and airport have seen their pay rise far above their peers, thanks in part to generous bonuses that have been attributed to the breakneck growth and financial success of both institutions.
› New program aims to virtually connect drivers in need with Florida state troopers
New program aims to virtually connect drivers in need with Florida state troopers. The Central Florida Expressway Authority has unveiled a new tool to help state troopers respond to a car crash. If the caller agrees, they can connect virtually with a trooper within minutes.
› Government-owned land in Bradenton sold for waterfront housing and retail development
Two multifamily development projects are slated to bring housing, retail, restaurants and other amenities to downtown Bradenton's waterfront in the coming years, following the recent sale of two government-owned properties to companies partnered with local builder Ron Allen.