Happy Wednesday, Orlando. Expect a mostly sunny one today, with some scattered storms developing later. Highs will hit 95°, while lows hover around 76°. Here’s what’s on deck:

• New Audit Brings Visit Orlando’s Finances into Question

• Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Faces Legal Challenge

Let’s dive in.

GOVERNMENT

New Audit Brings Visit Orlando’s Finances into Question

What's happening: A new audit of Visit Orlando, conducted at the request of Orange County commissioners, revealed significant issues in the agency's management of public funds. The audit, led by Comptroller Phil Diamond, highlighted failures in transparency and adherence to agreed-upon procedures.

Key findings:

• Lack of transparency: Visit Orlando, which manages substantial tourist-tax revenues, did not provide detailed accounts of its spending, particularly $6.3 million in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds.

• Financial mismanagement: The agency allegedly treated interest earned from public funds as if they were private, raising concerns about its financial practices.

• Unaddressed issues: According to Diamond, nearly half of the recommendations from a previous audit in 2019 were not implemented, despite leadership changes in 2021.

Context: Visit Orlando receives about 30% of the county's TDT revenue to promote the region's tourism. These funds have historically supported significant local projects like the Orange County Convention Center and Camping World Stadium.

Why it matters: As Orlando continues to position itself as a top tourist destination, the integrity and transparency of its primary marketing agency are crucial. The audit raises questions about how public funds are managed and whether Visit Orlando is fulfilling its obligations to taxpayers.

What's next: Visit Orlando's leadership, led by CEO Casandra Matej, is reviewing the audit findings. The agency faces scrutiny from county commissioners, with potential budget cuts on the table as officials seek greater accountability.

Read more here (Orlando Sentinel)

LAWSUITS

Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Faces Legal Challenge

What's happening: Upside Foods, one of the few companies approved to sell lab-grown meat in the US, is suing Florida over its recent ban on cultivated meat. The law, effective last month, prohibits the sale, manufacture, and distribution of lab-grown meat in the state, with penalties including fines and jail time.

Why it matters: The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues that Florida's ban violates the US Constitution by favoring local agricultural businesses over out-of-state competition. Upside Foods contends the law is unconstitutional under the Supremacy and Commerce Clauses, as it blocks federally approved products from being sold in Florida.

The bigger picture: Florida is the first state to enact such a ban, with Alabama set to follow in October. The case could set a significant precedent for the cultivated meat industry, which has seen declining venture capital support. Florida officials defend the ban, citing food safety concerns and the protection of traditional farming.

What’s next: While the timeline is still uncertain, the outcome of this lawsuit could shape the future of lab-grown meat sales in the US, potentially influencing similar laws in other states.

Read more here (Orlando Weekly)

QUICK HITS

In Other News…

1. Orlando Health became the first hospital in the world to use an Abbott Laboratories blood test to assess patients with brain injuries, providing quicker results than CT scans.

2. The city of Sanford canceled plans to develop a $55 million mixed-use project initially set to go up across from the Sanford Civic Center.

3. Florida-based World of Beer Bar & Kitchen, which currently has two Orlando locations, filed for bankruptcy. The company hopes to eliminate outstanding debts and terminate leases at underperforming locations.

4. Port of Subs, a popular sub shop located mostly in the western US, is coming to Orlando, with the first location likely opening near Maitland in early 2025.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s edition of the newsletter. See you back here tomorrow.

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