New Spaceports Position Florida to Remain #1

Two new spaceports are coming to South Florida’s Homestead Air Reserve Base and the Panhandle’s Tyndall Air Force Base just east of Panama City.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Monday approving the spaceports as part of Space Florida‘s master plan to expand and modernize space transportation facilities and keep Florida the world’s No. 1 location for rocket launches.

The state-run initiative aims to attract companies involved in designing, building, and launching rockets and spacecraft. The Spaceport Improvement Program can be read here.

The new spaceports may also alleviate SpaceX competitors’ concerns about limited launch locations, given the increasing number of launches SpaceX is working to secure.

Florida Water Tied to Salmonella Outbreak 

Federal health officials said Tuesday that untreated canal water used by a Florida cucumber grower is one likely source of salmonella food poisoning that sickened nearly 450 people across the U.S. this spring.

Water used for subsoil irrigation by Boynton Beach-based Bedner Growers Inc. matched a strain of the bacteria that caused some of the illnesses in more than 30 states. 

FDA officials said additional types of salmonella were detected in soil and water samples collected at the site.

The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the grower doesn’t account for all of the cucumber-related illnesses or the 125 hospitalizations reported from late March through early June.

Arts & Cultural Funding Cuts Under Fire

State funding for arts and cultural nonprofits in Florida was eliminated Monday by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who cut $32 million from the budget in the face of heavy criticism from civic leaders and program directors.

The cut affects zoos, museums, children’s choirs, and orchestras, including the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, which would have received $150,000 in state funding.

Former Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber is one of many in Florida questioning the decision, saying no world-class community doesn’t support local arts and culture. You can see the interview here.

Gov. DeSantis said he couldn’t justify the expense to taxpayers, especially the state’s theatrical Fringe Festivals, which he described as “sexual” in nature.

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➤ The Keys: Local health officials issued an alert Tuesday after two people were confirmed to have locally-acquired dengue fever. The CDC issued a U.S. warning last week. (More)

➤ Miami-Dade and Broward counties: The National Weather Service issued an advisory on Wednesday lasting until 8 p.m. today that the heat index in the area may go as high as 110 degrees at times. (Video)

➤ Fort Lauderdale: Hundreds of evacuees from Jamaica arrived at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Beryl, which hit the island on Wednesday as a CAT 4. (Video)

➤ Orange County: An audit released last week uncovered issues with contracted security guards at corrections facilities. Findings include guards working at two locations at once and an armed guard with no firearms license. (More)

➤ Cape Canaveral: The landing trail of a Falcon 9 booster rocket Tuesday created glowing, wispy streaks in the night sky known as noctilucent clouds in several Central Florida locations. (See Photos)

➤ Marion County public schools installed Knox Boxes on school campuses this week. The wall-mounted safes hold a set of building keys to help first responders gain access in case of emergency. (See Illustration)

➤ Jacksonville: Capital improvement projects could cost $1.9 billion over five years to address public safety and infrastructure. Mayor Donna Deegan has a July 8 deadline to approve the proposals. (See Proposal List)

➤ Tallahassee Community College officially became Tallahassee State College on Monday to better reflect its expanded academic offerings. (Video)

➤ Panama City: Tampa-based Suzuki Marine USA and the National Marine Manufacturers Association announced the launch of a brand-new high-octane ethanol boat fuel exclusively at St. Andrews Marina called Hyperfuel Purfuels. (More)

➤ The Florida Panthers have signed a new TV deal, moving their broadcasts from Bally Sports to Scripps Sports. The move will mean that fans no longer need cable to watch the Panthers play in 2025. (More)

➤ The Tampa Bay Rays have traded starting pitcher Aaron Civale to the Brewers for infield prospect Gregory Barrios. Barrios is currently batting .317 across 60 games for high-A affiliate Wisconsin. (More)

➤ The Miami Marlins have cut ties with former superstar shortstop Tim Anderson. The team benched him on Tuesday following poor performance at the plate, with just three extra base hits this season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Copa América | Wimbledon | WNBA

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➤ Jacksonville-based Corner Lot Development Group purchased One Ocean Resort and Spa in Atlantic Beach last week for $48.6 million. It plans to upgrade and renovate the property. (More)

➤ Wright’s Gourmet House restaurant in Tampa was sold this week to the owners of popular local restaurants Oxford Exchange, Predalina, and Casa Cami. The new owners plan to keep the menu the same. (More)

➤ Miami-based Royal Caribbean will offer three- and four-day cruises in its new ship Utopia of the Seas, rather than the traditional week-long excursions. The world’s second-largest cruise ship will sail exclusively from Port Canaveral. (More)

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➤ A Florida man stole a pantry truck filled with $25,000 of food in Eloise then drove to Wahneta to share potato salad from the truck with friends. (More)

➤ Ten Florida restaurants made Yelp’s Top 100 Sushi Spots 2024 national list last week, with Kadence in Orlando ranking the highest at #18. (See List)

➤ SeaWorld announced Monday that its Ultimate Shark Experience will return July 7-14 at the Orlando-based theme park, allowing guests to engage in shark-focused activities. (See Photo)

➤ Meanwhile, Flavors of Florida returned to Orlando’s Disney Springs entertainment complex running July 1 through August 11. Seventy-four new Sunshine-State-inspired food items are available at the annual festival. (See Food List)

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Which patriotic song do you like best?

1. The Star Spangled Banner
2. America the Beautiful
3. God Bless the USA
4. My Country ‘Tis of Thee

Wednesday’s Results:

Will you eat BBQ on July 4th?

1. 1. Yes: 49.5%
   2. No: 50.5%

At least 33 locations in the U.S., including in Florida, have what word as their name?

Show me the answer