- "Interstate Project Gets Bad Ranking."
This story highlights a report that was recently published that listed Tampa's never ending interstate expansion project as one of the 12 worst in the nation. The problem is well known to anyone who has ever driven into or out of Tampa. The highway system has become an entangled mess, half of which is under construction at any given time. The report also highlights FDOT's intention to demolish a historic church in Tampa Heights that is currently used as community center and garden. At this point I honestly believe they would do something like that. The problem here belongs to FDOT directly but its effects are felt by the community. There is a reason the I-4/ I-275 interchange is known as "Malfunction Junction."
2. "As Ranks Of Drivers Fall, Mass Transit Needs Surge".
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8445B9C882360?p=AWNB
Tampa has next to no public transportation. Buses make up nearly all of what little there is. This story connects Tampa's longstanding problem of lack of mass-transit (most of the money having been spent on bigger roads, a problem detailed above), with a new study showing that fewer people are learning to drive. This means that more people will rely on public transportation and therefore be forced to live in a city that can provide it. As above the problem belongs to the City of Tampa but its effects are felt by the people. More investment in public transit is needed in this area.
3. "Citizens Below 500K Policies."
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8445B9C882360?p=AWNB
This article illustrates a problem being solved in Florida and also an opportunity for businesses. Citizens Property Insurance Corp. commonly referred to as just "Citizens" now has fewer than 500,00 policies, which is a good thing. Citizens was formed as the state's insurer of last resort and quickly became the largest insurer in Florida after many private insurance firms bowed out due to the hurricanes we received. The problem created then was for the homeowners, Citizens' rates were enormous, as I learned first hand when I worked for a marketing firm for contractors. Now that Citizens' membership is decreasing, it shows the private insurance market is returning, which results in much lower rates for homeowners.
4. "Tampa Seeks Park Funding."
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A2A900EEA3BA50?p=AWNB
The Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa is now projected to cost over $30 million. The city faces the problem of budgetary restraints in order to finish the project and is now asking the state for help. The main problem is in the use of money set aside by Amendment 1 in 2014 is disputed. Some say it was against the intent of the voters for so much money to be put in a park. The problem belongs to the legislators who as usual, are unable to compromise.
5. "Innovation Is Problem For Florida".
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A2A900EEA3BA50?p=AWNB
In a recent report, Florida was listed as 35th in a ranking of the most "Innovative" states. While we scored well in a few categories such as tech density and number of patents, we we held back by very low scores in STEM concentration, R&D density, and number of STEM degree holders. This is a problem for business and education in Florida. For our economy to keep pace we need to have high tech industry and and educated populace to man it's ranks.
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