As inflation rises, Floridians say it’s hard to pay their bills

Nearly half of Floridians included in a recent survey say inflation has impacted their ability to pay essential bills. The finding comes from a survey conducted by the University of South Florida, asking 600 Floridians how price hikes have impacted their spending — and their attitudes on various related policy issues. Inflation has impacted Floridians’ spending on everything from food to housing, the survey found. [Source:  Tampa Bay Times]

COVID-19 infections once again on the rise in Florida

Florida’s pandemic respite appears to be over. COVID-19 infections are once again climbing across the state, and a new variant could be responsible. The state recorded nearly 3,000 cases per day, on average, over the most recent seven-day period from April 15 to Friday. That’s nearly double the 1,600 average daily caseload from two weeks earlier, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More from the  Tampa Bay Times and the Gainesville Sun.

FSU economist says recession possible in 2023

Florida in general and the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area specifically, have recovered from COVID-19 job losses more quickly than the rest of the country, Florida State University economist Jerry Parrish said Friday morning at the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 Economic Outlook breakfast. Parrish was cautiously optimistic about the economic future, but said a recession appears likely by early 2023, though it would be different from the Great Recession, which was driven by a protracted housing crisis. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

Opponents launch legal fight against redistricting plan

After Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed into law new congressional district lines that he pushed lawmakers to pass, the controversial plan immediately drew a legal challenge. Voting-rights groups such as the League of Women Voters of Florida and 12 individual plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in Leon County circuit court contending the congressional map (SB 2-C) fails to comply with state redistricting laws and is “a naked attempt” by DeSantis to “rig” congressional elections for Republicans. [Source: News Service of Florida]

DeSantis dissolves Disney’s Reedy Creek district. What it means for Florida counties, taxpayers

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature's actions to start the clock on dissolving a special self-governance district created for The Walt Disney Co. in 1967 could have dramatic impacts for two Orlando-area counties and their taxpayers. It could mean big tax increases for residents of Orange and Osceola counties, as taxpayers would suddenly have to pick up the costs of everything from fire protection to road maintenance within Disney property.More from  Florida Today, the Tampa Bay Times,  and the Orlando Sentinel.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Palm Beach International Raceway closes after final races [WPBF]
The era of car racing in Palm Beach County is now over, as Palm Beach International Raceway had its "Last Lap" event on Saturday, ahead of the sale and demolition of the nearly 60-year-old track. The track opened in 1964, and on Saturday the local racing community had the chance to come together to enjoy the sport they love one last time.

› Orange County sales-tax hike will ‘likely’ make the November ballot   [Orlando Sentinel]
After headlining an economic summit on mobility options, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings predicted a divided county commission will put his proposed sales-tax increase for transportation on the November ballot when the board faces the issue Tuesday. “I believe most have warmed up to the idea of allowing the citizens to make the decision for themselves and not have us make the decision on their behalf,” the mayor told a group of reporters. “I believe that it is likely going to pass at the board of county commission.”

› Tampa Electric grapples with gas prices [Tampa Bay Times]
Florida electric utilities continue to get hammered by high natural gas prices. Tampa Electric Co. notified state regulators Thursday it is facing higher-than-expected fuel costs, though it did not file a proposal to quickly pass along the costs to customers. Each year, the Florida Public Service Commission sets the amounts that utilities can collect for power-plant fuel in the following year.

› Moishe Mana spent $500 million on Miami’s Flagler Street. Can he make his vision reality? [Miami Herald]
Twelve years after Mana bought his first piece of what eventually became extensive land holdings in Wynwood, where he is the largest landowner, and eight since he turned his attention to amassing properties in the central business district, he said he’s finally, truly nailed down his plan. Now he’s ready to start rebuilding downtown Miami. He’s the biggest property owner there, too.

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› Suncoast Boat Show returns to Sarasota amid a busy year for luxury boating [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
There are a lot of parallels between the boating and real estate markets in 2022. Demand is incredibly high, inventory is incredibly low and new construction is hard to get off the ground because of shortages of building materials and appliances. This, in many cases, has led to higher prices, but a strong desire to be out on the water has pushed sales at some manufacturers to historic highs.

› ‘Pa’que tu lo sepas’: Thousands hit downtown Orlando for Puerto Rico parade return [Orlando Sentinel]
Thousands lined the sidewalks throughout the Downtown Orlando route, with most proudly waving Puerto Rican flags and wore T-shirts, sports jerseys and hats donning its colors. Those who arrived without that were quickly attended by a street vendor selling whatever they needed. The sounds of music and the revving of three-wheel motorcycle engines echoed through the streets but didn’t drown out louder, passionate chants by the people who attended.

› SouthEast Development Group ends talks with Jacksonville Housing Authority [Jacksonville Daily Record]
The owner of the historic Laura Street Trio Downtown says his company is not moving forward on a transaction with the Jacksonville Housing Authority on the multifamily element of his plan to restore and adapt the property. SouthEast Development Group LLC Principal and Managing Director Steve Atkins said in an email April 22 he is considering other options.

› Another national coffee chain expands to Tampa Bay region [Busiess Observer]
Scooter’s Coffee, an Omaha, Nebraska-based chain that operates 450 drive-thru cafes in 23 states, has partnered with multiple Gulf Coast franchisees who will bring the brand to Englewood and Riverview. The expansion comes on the heels of Minnesota-based Caribou Coffee’s announcement that it had entered the Florida market via a deal with franchisees based in the Tampa Bay region.