$10 Million in Hurricane Debby Aid

Following the damage left behind by Hurricane Debby in Florida, $10 million has been made available for businesses impacted by the storm.

On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Steinhatchee, where Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane. There, he announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

Eligible business owners can apply for zero-interest, short-term loans up to $50,000. Agricultural and aquacultural business owners can seek loans up to $100,000 through Sept. 30.

A Business Resource Center was established at Taylor County Middle School in Perry, as well as a Point of Distribution to provide supplies for businesses and residents seeking help after the storm.

Lawsuit to Overturn State’s Open Carry Law

Gun rights activists are fighting to strike down Florida’s ban on openly carrying firearms.

Gun Owners of America, the Gun Owners Foundation, and gun owner Richard Hughes filed a lawsuit Tuesday in South Florida that seeks to have an 1893 gun restriction declared unconstitutional and a court order to block enforcement of the law.

The challenged statute makes it “unlawful for any person to openly carry on or about his or her person any firearm or electric weapon or device.“

The lawsuit comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill last year eliminating the requirement for state residents to obtain a permit to carry concealed firearms.

Florida Boasts Best New Restaurants in the South 

Five restaurants in Florida have made Yelp’s 25 Best New Restaurants in the South list, with three ranking in the top 10. See the full list here.

Orlando’s Nami ranked #3 and is highlighted for its Michelin-starred Chef Freddy Money, who pairs European cooking techniques with Japanese flavors.

Ossobuco in Miami is ranked No. 6 and features a Michelin-starred chef using Argentinian flavors and a focus on meat. In Pembroke Pines, Brandon’s Bistro, which is ranked No. 8, features Southern cooking and is majority-owned by former NBA player Brandon Knight.

Mediterranean hotspot Predalina in Tampa is ranked No. 16, and Peruvian restaurant Mayu Miami is ranked No. 23.

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➤ Miami-Dade County plans to construct the nation’s largest waste-to-energy facility. This new plant will replace the aging Doral incinerator, which burned down last year and previously processed half of the county’s trash. (More)

➤ Fort Myers: The Southwest Florida International Airport was awarded a $24.9 million federal grant to improve the concourse, taxiway, and runways. (More)

➤ Cape Canaveral: NASA is delaying its next astronaut launch to buy more time at the International Space Station for Boeing’s troubled new crew capsule, bumping SpaceX’s four-person flight from this month to next. (More)

➤ Manatee County: Officials and residents disagree on whether water released by the Lake Manatee Dam during Tropical Storm Debby was necessary or made residential flooding worse. (More)

➤ Volusia County: The council voted Tuesday to allow residents to drive on the beach for free starting Oct. 1. Non-resident fees were increased from $20 to $30 per day. (See Details)

➤ Jacksonville: The city council held an emergency meeting Wednesday to approve a historical marker to honor victims of a racist attack last year. The installation is planned for Aug. 25 at the intersection of Kings Road and Canal Street. (Watch Video)

➤ Tallahassee: An independent investigation into Florida A&M University’s $237 million gift from a Texas hemp farmer found the donation to be “fraudulent,” according to a report released Monday. (See Details)

➤ Bay County: As of Wednesday, parking is again free for locals at the M.B. Miller County Pier. Parking fees for tourists will remain in effect. (More)

➤ Florida State and Miami made the top 25 coaches poll for the 2024 NCAA football season, coming in at 10th and 19th, respectively. (See List)

➤ Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls barely missed out on a potential game-tying hit with two outs in the ninth inning but was robbed on this incredible play. (Watch Video)

➤ Jacksonville Jaguars first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. is penciled as the Jaguars number two wide receiver in the team’s first depth chart, behind big free agent signing Gabe Davis. (More)

Yesterday’s results: MLB

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➤ Florida International University announced a partnership with Grammy-winning singer Armando “Pitbull” Pérez on Tuesday. The 10-year deal includes the campus football facility being renamed Pitbull Stadium. (See Details)

➤ Downtown Orlando’s Westcourt project announced a new partnership Wednesday with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. The new hotel will be next to the Kia Center arena. (More)

➤ State officials warned Port Canaveral leaders last week that their current dock plans could jeopardize infrastructure funding. The officials believe these plans favor the cruise industry over the space industry. (See Details)

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➤ The Chapman School of Seamanship in Stuart is introducing students to maritime jobs, which supports the Treasure Coast’s $31 billion industry and addresses the shortage of merchant marine personnel. (Watch Video)

➤ Meanwhile, Broward County schools will use drones starting this school year to expand kids’ STEM educational opportunities. (See Details)

➤ The Wolfson Children’s Hospital Florida Forum announced on Monday it will feature Boris Johnson, Deepak Chopra, and Carl Hiaasen in its Speaker Series in Jacksonville. (See Details)

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Do you still use a travel agent?

1. Yes
2. No

Wednesday’s Results:

Would you travel to space if you could?

1. No: 61.6%
2. Yes: 38.4%

In what town was Florida’s first-ever Publix?

Show me the answer