March 11, 2023March 11, 2023Community, Community News, Law & Order, Neighbor Counties, Public NoticesBy Special0

14-year-old Ocala girl missing, endangered after leaving home

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help from the public to locate a missing and endangered 14-year-old girl who was last seen in Ocala. According to MCSO, Alicia Johnson was last seen at her residence located in the 11200 block of NW 12th Lane in Ocala. She left her home on foot and is believed to be wearing...

March 10, 2023March 10, 2023Community, Conservation News, Main, Newsmakers, Oceans & Seas, ScienceBy Special0

Nesting season arrives for sea turtles, waterbirds

Nesting season has started for both sea turtles and waterbirds in the Sunshine State. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds people they can help protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles and waterbirds this spring and summer while visiting Florida’s coastal habitats. Because our state’s shorelines are critical for sea turtle and waterbird nesting, beachgoers can have a big...

March 01, 2023March 1, 2023Business, Economy, TravelBy Special0

Hotels on hiring spree with better wages, benefits, flexibility

By: American Hotel Association (AHLA) Survey: 79% of hotels report staffing shortages WASHINGTON (Feb. 27, 2023) – As nearly 80% of hotels experience staffing shortages, hoteliers are offering potential hires a host of incentives to fill vacancies, according to a new survey of hoteliers conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Seventy-one percent of respondents are increasing wages,...

February 28, 2023February 28, 2023Business, Conservation News, County, Economy, Food, Food & Drink, Headlines, Health, Newsmakers, Politics, Public Notices, ScienceBy Special0

FWC continues to monitor avian influenza across Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to monitor bird mortalities suspected to be attributed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza throughout Florida. This strain has been documented in the United States since 2021 and was detected for the first time in Florida in January 2022. The FWC has documented the virus in 37 counties and a variety of...

February 28, 2023February 28, 2023Business, Lifestyle, Newsmakers, PoliticsBy Special0

DeSantis signs bill to strip Disney of self-governance privileges

The Center Square — The Walt Disney Company has officially lost its cozy relationship with Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Monday in Lake Buena Vista to sign House Bill 9B that will put an end to many of Disney’s governance privileges with the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Critics charge that Disney will retain much of its tax...

February 21, 2023February 21, 2023Business, Destinations, Family, Finance, Main, Nightlife, Travel, Where and WhenBy Special0

Report: Hotel-generated state and local tax revenue to reach new highs in 2023

Hotels on hiring spree to meet demand as occupancy nears 2019 levels By American Hotel & Lodging Association | Special Report WASHINGTON (Feb. 21, 2023) – Hotel-generated state and local tax revenue will reach new heights nationally ($46.71 billion) and in states across the nation this year, according to state-by-state projections released today by the American Hotel & Lodging Association...

February 20, 2023February 20, 2023Community, Community News, Conservation News, Newsmakers, PoliticsBy Special0

Governor appoints 3 to SWFWMD governing board

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed James Holton, Dustin Rowland and Robert Stern to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board. Holton, of St. Petersburg, is the president and owner of JWH Properties, Inc., MHH Enterprises, Inc. and James W. Holton, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and his master’s degree and juris doctor from Boston University. Holton...

February 15, 2023February 15, 2023Business, Community, Community News, Entertainment, Government, Newsmakers, Politics, SlideShowBy Special0

Florida lawmakers strip away Disney’s special status

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) — The Florida Legislature concluded its special session on Friday, passing bills regarding Disney’s autonomy, transport of foreign nationals and election fraud. Florida House Speaker Paul Renner said at a news conference before the House’s final meeting that the special session was successful and that lawmakers addressed “the complete...

February 08, 2023February 8, 2023Business, Community, County, Family, Health, ScienceBy Special0

Key Training Center: Choice, Independence

As the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased by 20% over the last five years, an increase for non-wage operational costs for iBudget providers has not been addressed in even longer. For the 2023 Legislative Session, we are seeking $44.6 million in General Revenue ($67.7 million in Federal Match) equating to $112,286,417 critical dollars to address this funding gap. Thank...