5A, Identifying Local Opportunities

The Everglades Burmese python might finally meet its match, if this agency gets its way

• https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article234964692.html
• The Everglades are gradually being overtaken by the invasive Burmese python.  These extreme predators are devouring the local wildlife and there are no clear answers on how to stop or even control their population explosion.  However, officials are hoping to expand what has been one of their more successful programs if they can obtain the funding.
• Many invasive species are a problem throughout South Florida and officials are unsure on how to combat them.  Therefore, native species are being decimated by these extreme predators.
• Some may believe that this is only a problem for the local wildlife.  However, this could not be further from the truth.  There is an entire domino effect that takes place whenever a new species, especially an apex predator, is introduced into a new environment, which means that there our countless issues due to this problem.

Vote to double parking rates in Miami Beach during big events delayed until October

• https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article235029167.html?intcid=connatix
• The city of Miami Beach has plans to double what it charges to park at a city meter or in the parking garage during events that would have a large attendance.
• Parking in Miami Beach already difficult to find during peak times and is also quite expensive.  Therefore, if the city council approves the rate increase, it will be impossible for many to visit or work on the beach due to significant increase in parking costs.
• Many will be effected by the increased cost of parking.  A significant amount of inland residents and beach employees use the city meters and garages.  If the rates were increased, it would also affect these individuals and not just the intended tourists.

Maserati driver is dead following a crash with a Brightline train 

• https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article235009462.html
• A driver of a vehicle attempted to beat the train at the crossing and was unfortunately struck by the train and died at the scene.
• There have been numerous fatailities involving the Brightline trains since their inception only a few years ago.  People do not respect the warning or safety devices and incorrectly feel that they can beat the train at the crossing.
• It's impossible to change the mentality of the people who tempt fate while crossing when there is an oncoming train.  Therefore, the problem lies with the design of the safety devices and how to make them more restrictive while being cost effective, which is ultimately paid for by the transportation carrier(s).

Penn Dutch meats closed again after Listeria tainted meat found again

• https://deerfield-news.com/2019/09/07/penn-dutch-meats-closed-again-listeria-tainted-meat-found/
• A State of Florida food inspector visited one of the Penn Dutch facilities in South Florida and found an extremely harmful bacteria in multiple areas resulting in the temporary closure of the facility.
• Harmful bacteria was previously found in one of the Penn Dutch facilities and having a second occurrence not only temporarily closes the business, but will affect future business as customers will avoid the chain due to their poor food safety record.
• Penn Dutch is facing serious issues on multiple fronts.  Current business has stopped, future business has significantly been hampered, and their public image has taken a beating.

South Florida leads the nation in mortgage fraud

• https://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/20190911/south-florida-leads-nation-in-mortgage-fraud
• A recently released report shows that South Florida leads the nation in mortgage fraud.
• South Florida borrowers were heavily involved in mortgage fraud during the beginning phases of the housing crisis.  While that type of fraud has been diminished, fraud is still taking place, but this time it involves the fabrication of home values, income, and mortgage debt.
• The immediate problem lies with who holds the loan and if it's insured.  However, if left unchecked it could cause signifiant issues in many different areas.