Florida Forecast Charts ...................................................................20

Florida gets another boost in tax collections

• A new report said the state brought in $435.5 million more in general revenue in October than had been projected in an August forecast. • The report indicated Florida consumers continued opening their wallets after saving heavily earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the $435.5 million in higher-than-expected revenue, $304.2 million, or about 70 percent, came from sales-tax collections. • In October, Florida collected more than $3.234 billion in general revenue, compared to the $2.799 billion projection. Source: Tampa Bay Times, December 2, 2021

Duke Energy awards $200,000 in grants to support economic development in Florida

• Duke Energy Florida is investing $200,000 in strategic economic development and recruitment programs across the state. One of this year’s recipients is Enterprise Florida. • The state economic development agency is receiving a $25,000 grant to provide the opportunity to host and further build relationships with site selection consultants and corporate real estate executives in attendance at FLORIDA NEWS SUMMARIES

the Team Florida events. • The Duke Energy Foundation grants will help communities across the state attract, build and grow businesses, as well as tackle emerging recruitment and workforce challenges. Source: Duke Energy News Center, December 29, 2021

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces $3.5 Million for Wastewater System Improvements in Lake Butler

• Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $3.5 million has been awarded to the City of Lake Butler in Union County through the

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Rebuild Florida Mitigation General

Infrastructure Program. • Funding will be used to make critical improvements to the city’s wastewater collection and pumping system to further mitigate damage to the city’s infrastructure from future storms. • The program, administered by DEO, allows local governments to develop large-scale infrastructure projects to make communities more resilient to future disasters. Source: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, January 7, 2022