Supply chain delays could slow restoring power if Florida gets hit by hurricane

As hurricane season hits its peak, Florida’s top emergency manager is warning of the potential for major electrical problems after a storm hits. “We’re in an area of which supply chain issues are becoming more and more of a problem,” Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said. Guthrie’s comments came as part of a presentation to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council in Orlando last week. More from Florida Keys News and the Miami Herald.

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State tax collections top projections

Florida’s general-revenue tax collections came in nearly 20 percent higher than anticipated in July. A report issued Wednesday by state economists said general revenue was $516.1 million more than projected. Sales taxes are the biggest part of general revenue. Inflation played a key role in driving up sales-tax collections in July, as it boosts shelf prices and, as a result, tax money. [Source: News Service of Florida]

With weekend, Artemis I launch could bump Space Coast crowds to 400k, officials say

NASA’s second attempt at a historical moon launch could draw a crowd that more than doubles the size of the first turnout, according to authorities. On Saturday, NASA aims to launch the Artemis I mission from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39-B to herald the first of a series of flights that look to return humans to the lunar surface in more than 50 years. Although uncrewed, Artemis I with its 8.8 million pounds of thrust will make it the most powerful rocket to ever launch into space. The two-hour launch window opens at 2:17 p.m. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Tropical Storm Danielle forms, first named storm in weeks

Tropical Storm Danielle formed Thursday in the Atlantic, the first named storm in nearly two months, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is not a threat to Florida or the United States according to Spectrum Bay News 9. Danielle is the fourth named storm in 2022. The entire month of August went without a single named storm. But in addition to Danielle, meteorologists are watching two other tropical systems — one east of the Leeward Islands and the other north of the Cabo Verde Islands. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

› New data shows Miami's bars and restaurants are nearing pre-pandemic success [Tasting Table] During the peak of the pandemic, a bar or restaurant in Miami is one of the last places you would think to visit, but new data shows that many people today are now choosing to dine out more often than before. In March 2020, restaurant and bar foot traffic plummeted by nearly 70 percent and didn't begin picking up until June 2020. Since then, it's been on a slow and steady climb, and is currently approaching pre-pandemic levels.

› Northwest Florida oyster harvesters impacted by high levels of bacteria in water [WEAR] The oyster industry in Northwest Florida just took another hit. They took a hit in Hurricane Sally two years ago, some were hit by thieves and vandals, and now the state is closing down oyster harvesting areas in East Bay and Escambia Bay because of health concerns.

› AdventHealth scientists create test to identify deadly brain-eating amoebas [Orlando Sentinel] The U.S. has recorded 154 cases of infection with the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri since 1964. Almost half occurred in Texas and Florida, where hot temperatures allow these single-celled animals to more easily grow. All but four of the people infected have died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. AdventHealth Central Florida doctors have developed a new test for three of the most common types of amoebas, including Naegleria fowleri, the hospital system announced Thursday.

› ParkerVision still pursuing claims [Jacksonville Daily Record] More than a decade after filing its first lawsuit and eight years after a federal judge threw out a court victory, ParkerVision Inc. continues pursuing patent infringement claims against Qualcomm. The Jacksonville-based company alleges Qualcomm has illegally used wireless technology patented by ParkerVision, claims denied by the San Diego-based tech company.

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In case you missed it:

Telehealth use remains high among rural, older Medicaid members in Florida

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Florida housing prices remain high, while other regions decline

Regulators may raise insurance coverage cap to aid homeowners

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