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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés first arrived at what would become St. Augustine. He named the colony because because he first spotted the site on the feast day of St. Augustine.

A helium leak on the launch pad forced SpaceX to delay Tuesday’s Polaris Dawn mission launch attempt. They say a new launch may take place by the end of the week. We’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, it’s National Red Wine Day—cheers! In our poll, we ask if you prefer red or white. Drop us a note by hitting reply to share your thoughts.

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Florida’s Mid-Year Business Report Card

The Florida Chamber of Commerce released a new report on the state’s progress toward the organization’s goal of growing Florida into a Top 10 global economy. See the report here.

The report covers five key economic drivers: population, workforce, economic diversification, tech, and real estate.

Florida remains one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. by population, and the chamber projects that retired people make up a disproportionate share of the growth.

While Florida is creating one in every 11 new U.S. jobs, there are 93 job seekers for every 100 positions, indicating a talent availability and skills shortage. The chamber suggests businesses “prioritize upskilling, training, and exploring untapped talent pipelines.”

Appeals Court Blocks Title IX Rule, Florida Law Upheld

A divided appeals court on Monday blocked a new federal rule regarding Title IX, a landmark 1972 law that bars discrimination in education programs based on sex. The decision handed Florida and three other states a victory.

Florida’s 2023 Treatments for Sex Reassignment law is once again enforceable in Florida, banning transgender reassignment procedures for minors.

Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina appealed to the Atlanta-based court after a U.S. District judge issued a 122-page decision rejecting their request for a preliminary injunction against the Title IX rule.

In Monday’s ruling, the panel indicated that Florida will likely win the case when it goes before the full court of appeals.

Epcot's ‘Taste Around the World’ Begins

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World starts Thursday, featuring new locations, a full slate of new menu items, and 2024-themed merchandise.

A fan favorite, the annual food festival runs from August 29 to November 23, offering global cuisine and beverages at festival-exclusive kiosks throughout the theme park.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series, included with Epcot admission, provides music each evening, with performances by Tiffany, Sheila E., and 98 Degrees.

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➤ The National Hurricane Center is tracking a disturbance in the Southern Atlantic, slowly moving toward the Leeward Islands with a 20% chance of development over the next week. (More)

➤ Loran Cole, scheduled to be put to death on Thursday, is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to delay his execution so his challenge to Florida’s lethal injection procedures can be heard. (See Details)

➤ Meanwhile, Wade Wilson was sentenced to death at his hearing on Tuesday. The Fort Myers man was convicted of killing two Cape Coral women in 2019. (More)

➤ Lake Nona: The Pass It On To Kids Foundation gave the largest-ever donation to a single research project at Nemours Children’s Health. The $7 million donation will fund oncology research and a music therapy program. (See Video)

➤ Satellite Beach: Florida wildlife officials plan to spend $1.7 million in federal money to replant more than 7 acres of seagrass along Samsons Island. (More)

➤ Boca Raton: Security has been increased at Whispering Pines Elementary School. In a letter sent to parents, the school outlined “comments by an individual that have caused distress within our school community." (See Details)

➤ Miami: Sixty startups competed Saturday for $1 million in the first-ever Startup World Cup. Hosted by tech hub The Source, 10 teams advanced to the regional finals on Sept. 14. (See List)

➤ The Jacksonville Jaguars have released quarterback CJ Beathard following Mac Jones’s strong preseason performance and will use Jones as the primary backup to Trevor Lawrence. (More)

➤ The Florida Panthers have debuted a new center-ice logo to commemorate their 2024 Stanley Cup victory. (See Photo)

➤ The 2024 Paralympics begin today—take a look at these athletes from the Jacksonville area. (See List)

Yesterday's results: MLB | WNBA | US OPEN

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➤ Orlando-based Red Lobster announced last week it will close 23 more stores by Aug. 31, including three in Florida. Annual guest counts are down 30% from 2019. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, former P.F. Chang's CEO Damola Adamolekun has been named the future chief executive of Red Lobster, pending court approval of the bankrupt restaurant's sale on Sept. 5. (More)

➤ Drug distributor McKesson is buying a controlling stake in Fort Myers-based Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute for $2.49 billion in cash. The community cancer center operates nearly 100 locations statewide. (See Details)

➤ Orlando International Airport will use an increased $9-per-day customer facility charge to build a new $1 billion central rental car facility—freeing up space for airport parking. (More)

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➤ After 44 years in operation, the Scorpion roller coaster will close at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Sept. 2. It is one of only three roller coasters of its kind remaining in the world. (See Photo)

➤ The Famous Italian at Franky’s Deli Warehouse in Hialeah has been named the best sandwich in Florida by Yelp. (See List)

➤ Meanwhile, Southern Living named two Florida restaurants to its "The South's Best New Barbecue Joints of 2024" list. (See List)

➤ A Typical Florida house cost $45,000 in 1980—what is it worth now? (Find Out)

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