Florida’s Economic Forecast

Florida’s economy continues to expand, reaching $140 billion during 2023 and a gross domestic product of $1.58 trillion. See the Florida Economic Forecast report here.

The report indicates the state has the 16th-largest economy in the world.

Key projections include an increase in Florida’s population by an additional 1.15 million over the next five years, along with a slight uptick in unemployment. 

Tourism is projected to thrive, with visitation numbers expected to increase steadily from 146.2 million in 2024 to 170.1 million by 2029. 

DeSantis May Block Officials if Re-Elected

Gov. Ron DeSantis stated he would not commit to allowing two former state attorneys he removed from office to serve again, even if re-elected in November.

DeSantis removed Democrats Andrew Warren and Monique Worrell from the 13th and 9th judicial circuits, respectively, and now both are seeking re-election. 

DeSantis cited Warren and Worrell’s pledges not to prosecute certain crimes related to abortion and transgender care for minors as a basis for supporting their opponents and not wanting them in office.

Dolphins’ Mercury Morris dies at 77

Eugene “Mercury” Morris, a key player for the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins and two-time Super Bowl champion, has died at 77.

Morris was a three-time Pro Bowl selection who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1972 and was part of a star-studded backfield alongside Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick.

He held several Dolphins records, including the longest kickoff return touchdown at 105 yards. See 1968 photos of his college years at West Texas State.

After his football career, Morris faced legal troubles but later became a motivational speaker, urging people to avoid drugs. 

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➤ Pinellas Park: Gov. Ron DeSantis held a roundtable last week to discuss possible solutions for condo owners facing significant assessments and fees following the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside. (See Details)

➤ Tallahassee: One of the state’s top Medicaid officials, Tom Wallace, resigned on Thursday from the Agency for Health Care Administration. Matt Cooper will serve in an interim capacity. (More)

➤ Bunnell: The Flagler County School Board voted last week to make electrocardiograms (EKGs) mandatory for high school student-athletes. (See Video)

➤ Edgewater: Council members voted Friday to fire City Manager Glenn Irby without cause due to his handling of flooding issues in the city. (More)

➤ Riviera Beach: City Manager Jonathan Evans has been suspended from his position through Oct. 3 due to a “neglect of duties.” (See Video)

➤ Jupiter: A man arrested for posting social media threats to former President Donald Trump and JD Vance was allowed to opt into a pretrial diversion program that offers record expungement and the potential for him to own a gun in the future. (See Video)

➤ No. 8 Miami defeated South Florida 50-15 on Saturday, improving its record to 4-0, while South Florida now stands at 2-2. (More)

➤ Florida State secured its first win of the NCAA football season with a 14-9 victory over California, while Florida won its first SEC game of the season against Mississippi State. (More)

➤ The Bucs fell to the Denver Broncos 26-7 at home, as rookie quarterback Bo Nix and kicker Will Lutz led the visitors to their first win. The Bucs are now 2-1. (More)

➤ The Dolphins lost as well, losing 24-3 to the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was out due to concussion and backup quarterback Skylar Thompson left the game with an injury in the 3rd quarter. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NCAAF | MLB | NHL | NASCAR | WNBA | LPGA

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➤ Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which oversees Orlando International Airport, announced he would resign effective Jan. 31. (See Video)

➤ Fort Lauderdale-based BurgerFi International Inc., parent company to both BurgerFi and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, will be delisted from Nasdaq following its bankruptcy filings and plans to close 19 restaurants. (See Locations)

➤ FloridaCommerce announced last week it will provide $3.2 million in funding for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. (Apply Here)

➤ Two high-profile attorneys for Orlando-based GrayRobinson are leaving along with eight others in the firm. The group will establish a practice focusing on complex, high-stakes litigation, with offices in Tallahassee and Orlando. (More)

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➤ Parents of a Parkland victim who was killed in the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2016 have launched a new video game titled The Final Exam, which challenges gamers to survive a school shooting. (See Details)

➤ Tampa’s City Center at Hanna Avenue announced it has achieved one of the most prestigious green building certifications for its commitment to sustainability, resilience, and equity. (More)

➤ H&H Bagels, the famous New York City bagel shop seen in The Office and Seinfeld, is coming to St. Johns County. (More)

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Do you eat breakfast?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Sometimes
4. Only on vacation

Friday’s Results:

What is your favorite pizza topping?

1. Pepperoni: 27.4%
2. Sausage: 17.2%
3. Mushrooms: 12.8%
4. Other: 10.5%
5. Extra cheese: 10.4%
6. I like my pizza plain: 7.6%
7. Bacon: 7.3%
8. I don’t eat pizza: 6.8%

What is it illegal to eat after 6 p.m. on Sunday in Tampa?

Show me the answer