|
'You can't make revenue,' Florida businesses lament rising gas prices - Rising fuel prices in Florida, driven by the Iran War, are significantly impacting businesses, especially in transportation and construction. Diesel prices have hit a new record high, increasing costs for trucking and potentially leading to higher consumer prices. Many small businesses are currently absorbing the increased fuel costs rather than passing them on to customers. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Income tax filing deadline is almost here. Here’s what to know in Florida - Tax filing season is underway and the April 15 deadline is approaching. Whether you’ve already filed or are still preparing, here’s what Florida taxpayers need to know about refunds and free filing options. The IRS says combining electronic filing with direct deposit, especially when filing early, results in the quickest refunds. Paper returns can take six to eight weeks. More from the Miami Herald and Florida Today.
Fire weather watch issued for 12 Florida counties - A fire weather watch is in effect for 12 Florida counties as drought conditions continue across the state. The watch is in effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening, with gusty winds and low humidity expected for parts of the eastern Florida Panhandle. Portions of North Florida are under exceptional drought conditions, while most of the state are under extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Florida's black bears are getting active again. Here's how to coexist responsibly - Florida black bears are getting more active — and hungry — as the weather warms up. Though they're most prominent in areas like the Panhandle, Ocala and Big Cypress, bears make appearances across the whole state. They've shown up in cities like Orlando, and there was a young black bear in Gainesville two years ago. "You could really run into a bear anywhere in the state of Florida," said Michael Orlando, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Bear Management Program Coordinator. [Source: WUSF]
Push to shrink Sarasota County city heads to Florida Supreme Court [Sarasota Herald-Tribune] - Residents of the West Villages subdivisions of Wellen Park who are seeking to separate from the city of North Port in Sarasota County will take their case to the Florida Supreme Court after a recent decision by the 2nd District Court of Appeal denied their petition for a new hearing. Residents of the West Villages subdivisions of Wellen Park are seeking to separate from the city contended the City Commission has not managed the city wisely, so they petitioned for de-annexation under Chapter 171 of state statutes.
Bucs to talk with Sports Authority about stadium renovations [St. Pete Catalyst] - At 28 years old, Raymond James Stadium is arguably near retirement age in the world of big-league sports palaces. And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made little secret about the need to modernize their 65,000-seat home field. With the NFL team approaching a 2027 decision on extending its lease – and the Tampa Bay Rays also seeking about $1.15 billion in public money for a new ballpark across the street – the Bucs determined it was time to begin discussing stadium renovations, how much they will cost and who’s going to pay for them.
| 
