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MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1763, the British took over Pensacola after defeating Spain and France in the Seven Year's War. Britain acquired Florida from Spain in exchange for Cuba.

All eyes are on today’s weather as Hurricane Debby continues to pound Florida. Our top story shares news and updates. Stay safe!

Please let us know how we’re doing by replying with an email.

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Hurricane Debby Soaks Florida

Tropical Storm Debby strengthened overnight Sunday before making landfall as a Cat 1 Hurricane in Florida's Big Bend region Monday morning.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a state of emergency order for 61 of Florida’s 67 counties, with a risk of heavy rainfall, river and coastal flooding, and infrastructure damage.

“Make sure you’re executing your plan now,” Gov. Ron DeSantis warned Floridians at a news conference Sunday afternoon. “As the storm comes, you may get hit with an awful lot of water.”

DeSantis compared Debby’s path to Hurricane Idalia, the Category 4 hurricane in 2023 that caused significant damage in north Florida.

Earlier Sunday, DeSantis said he activated 3,000 members of the state’s National Guard to assist emergency responders. The governor warned of power outages, hazardous debris, and flooded roadways as Floridians prepared for the storm.

Standardized EV Charging Coming Soon

Florida leaders are looking to create a statewide standard for electric vehicle charging infrastructure before the end of the year.

A rule discussion was held in Altamonte Springs on Wednesday to explore potential guidance and build on existing plans.

Currently, municipalities across the state have different rules, covering aspects from signage to landscaping to how long someone can park in an EV parking spot.

Florida has the most registered EV vehicles of any state in the U.S. except for California.

State Officials Consider Insurance Rate Increase

State-backed insurer Citizens Insurance is seeking a 13.5 percent rate increase in 2025 for customers with the most common type of policy—multi-peril coverage—while condominium owners would see an average 14.2 percent increase.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, which would have to sign off on increases, held a hearing on the proposal on Thursday. Part of the discussion centered on Citizens’ rates being actuarially sound and not competitive with rates charged by private insurers.

The rate increase would raise the average price of homeowners’ multi-peril policies from $3,560 to $4,041 annually.

Citizens has become the largest carrier in the state, with nearly 1.229 million policies as of last week.

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South Florida

➤ Miami: South Florida's Venezuelan community gathered on Saturday in Bayfront Park to protest the election of Venezuelan socialist president Nicolas Maduro. (Video)

➤ Plantation: Experts warn residents about an invasive snail species, Apple Island Snail, that is causing harm to the area and local wildlife. (Video)

Central Florida

➤ Manatee County: Last week, commissioners approved a Nov. 5 referendum to raise the tourist tax by 1%, the purchase of Triple Oak Preserve, and funding for local nonprofit programs. (More)

➤ Hillsborough County: A judge ruled in favor of the school district, allowing a tax referendum to raise teacher pay on the November ballot despite county commissioners' vote to delay it until 2026. (See Details)

North Florida

➤ Jacksonville: The city council held a special meeting on Sunday after Mayor Donna Deegan declared a local state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Debby. (More)

➤ New Smyrna Beach: A firefighter from the Edgewater Fire Department was bitten in the hand by a shark last week while surfing. The 31-year-old drove himself home before going to the hospital. (More)

The Panhandle

➤ Government offices, schools, and universities are closed today as Hurricane Debby made landfall in the Panhandle. Some meetings scheduled for Tuesday have been postponed. (See List)

➤ Evacuations and shelter openings were announced across the Big Bend ahead of Hurricane Debby. A curfew is in place throughout today and Tuesday. (See Details)

➤ Miami Dolphins superstar Tyreek Hill was named the best player on the NFL Top 100 list, as voted by other NFL players. (More)

➤ Tyreek Hill also agreed to a new contract that will pay him $90 million over three years. (More)

➤ Josh Lowe tallied a season-high four hits, including two home runs in the 6-1 Tampa Bay Rays win over the Houston Astros. (More)

➤ Yesterday's results: MLB | LPGA | Leagues Cup

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➤ Ryan Specialty Holdings is purchasing Jacksonville-based US Assure Insurance Services of Florida for $1.075 billion in cash and up to $400 million in additional payments, according to last week's announcement. (More)

➤ Miami-based The Estate Companies landed a $72.5 million construction loan from Synovus Bank for a luxury 321-unit rental complex called Soleste Palm Station in Downtown West Palm Beach. (More)

➤ The first armored vehicle dealership in the U.S. opened in West Park last month. The bulletproof high-end vehicles can withstand assault fire and explosions from up to two hand grenades. (See Photo)

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➤ Wild Florida welcomed a new baby albino alligator last week. The wildlife and safari park in Kenansville is the only attraction in the world with a successful albino alligator breeding program. (See Photo)

➤ As part of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ military appreciation day celebration, Dream Finders Homes surprised a local veteran with a new home that will be a near replica of the EverBank Stadium Home. (Video)

➤ A residential home in Pinecrest sold for $14.3 million and became the highest-priced residential property in the area. (See Photos)

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