In bid to slash property taxes, Legislature considers defunding tourism
Local business groups are sounding the alarm about a state bill they say would make it harder to market Florida attractions to tourists, just as the beaches are regaining their footing after two devastating storms. Rep. Monique Miller, R-Palm Bay, is spearheading a bill that would effectively defund tourism boosters. Instead, hotel tax dollars must either be spent on official county projects and contracts — including but not limited to tourism-related efforts — or property tax refunds by 2026. Counties that still want to fund tourism marketing generally will have to find money elsewhere.[Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Trade war with China threatens to raise Florida hospital costs
China produces 90% of the ibuprofen used in over-the counter pain medication for the United States and is the largest producer of antibiotics worldwide, said Florida Hospital Association President and CEO Mary Mayhew. Even a conservative 5% increase in the cost of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies would result in a $500 million rise in health care costs across Florida, she said. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida Trend Exclusive
All for one
Orlando attorney Michael Sampson walked away from divorce litigation for good at the beginning of 2017 — some 30 years after graduating from law school and 20 years after moving from Lakeland to Orlando to practice family law. His new focus: “collaborative” divorce, an amicable approach to separation pioneered in 1990 by Minnesota attorney Stu Webb. [Source: Florida Trend]
Hot, dry weather to boost wildfire risk in Florida
While the sunshine and rising temperatures may seem ideal, this week’s dry, warm conditions across Florida are raising the risk of wildfires. Much of the Florida Peninsula has been experiencing below-historical-average rainfall at a time of the year when rainfall is typically low to begin with. Conditions range from abnormally dry to extreme drought over the Florida Peninsula, according to the United States Drought Monitor. [Source: AccuWeather]
Florida has gone weeks without two of its top five executive branch officials
Florida has gone weeks without two of its top five executive branch officials. So far, it hasn’t disrupted state business, and Gov. Ron DeSantis isn’t in a rush to appoint anyone to the roles. Former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez left that role in February to be interim president of Florida International University. Former Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis left his position March 31 ahead of winning a special election for a U.S. House seat. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Southwest Florida lost thousands of jobs in peak tourist season. What does that say about economy?
In Florida, four metros lost jobs over the year in March. Three of them are in Southwest Florida: Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island and Punta Gorda. Of the three, Cape Coral-Fort Myers – or Lee County – saw the most job losses, a total of 2,200 (after accounting for increases in some sectors). The industry shedding the most jobs in the metro? Leisure and hospitality (-3,500).
› Orange County OKs $29M in tourism funds to lure major sports events, NFL's Jaguars
Orange County Commissioners approved millions related to Orlando's bid to host the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2027 and lure World Wrestling Entertainment and Ultimate Fighting Championship events here. The commission on April 22 voted 6-1 to distribute $29.46 million in tourist development tax sports incentive funds related to five requests.
› CEO of one of South Florida's top public companies moves to new role
Heico Corp. will have two chief executive officers effective May 1. Eric A. Mendelson and Victor H. Mendelson were named co-CEO's of the Hollywood-based manufacturer. They will succeed their father, Laurans A. Mendelson, who will step down as chief executive to become executive chairman of the board of directors.
› Derby Lane sold to a Connecticut company. What’s next for the race track?
St. Petersburg’s Derby Lane, a former greyhound race track sitting on 130 acres of prime real estate on Gandy Boulevard, has come under new ownership and could be redeveloped. Records filed with the Florida Division of Corporations last week show that St. Petersburg Kennel Club Inc., which owns Derby Lane, merged with Rally Acquisition Co.
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› St. Petersburg may keep Albert Whitted as an airport for 20 more years
Mayor Ken Welch’s administration has done an about-face on turning Albert Whitted Airport into something else, a idea he brought up one month after arriving at City Hall three years ago. Now, St. Petersburg is on the doorstep of accepting a state grant that would require Albert Whitted to function as an airport for the next 20 years.
› Wekiva Trail extension moving forward with planned 11.5-mile multi-use path
Plans for an extension of the Wekiva Trail are moving forward following a recent agreement from railroad company CSX Transportation to sell unused train tracks to several cities in Lake County. CSX has indicated it intends to work with Lake County, the city of Mount Dora, the city of Tavares and the nonprofit Trust for Public Land to sell tracks that would allow the Wekiva Trail to run along an 11.5-mile pathway between Sorrento and Tavares. The price tag for the track purchase is likely to exceed $20 million.
› New Central Florida clinic will treat stress disorders, other conditions for vets and first responders
A new clinic to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other impacts for first responders and military veterans is opening in Central Florida. The company eTMS Florida has been expanding its footprint in Florida in recent months and the newest clinic near Orlando opened this month. Electroencephalogram Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment for those suffering traumatic brain injuries, PTSD and sleep disorders.
› HGTV names Florida city one of the most charming small downtowns in US. Where is it?
Need ideas for your next weekend trip? HGTV recently put out its list of the "40 Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in America," featuring one in Florida. The home improvement and real estate network explored the history, culture, attractions and beauty that make small-town downtowns across America so charming.