Identifying Local Opportunities

1. "City Commission repeals plastic ban, raises GRU rates"
https://www.alligator.org/news/city-commission-repeals-plastic-ban-raises-gru-rates/article_cbb76770-d5e3-11e9-9a5e-2fe54a48b3cd.html
 - This article talks about how the city of Gainesville has thought about repealing their ban on single-use plastic, like grocery store plastic bags, and how the commission voted to raise Gainesville Regional Utility rates by 2.3%. This has caused some uproar by the community due to high utility rates.
 - The problem in this story that I am using is the repeal on the ban of single-use plastics. This presents an opportunity to stores like Publix, who has had some criticism recently due to their stance on the issue, which is to keep single-use plastics. This can cause customers to not want to shop their and take their business elsewhere, maybe to a local market that practices environmental sustainability.
 - Grocery stores in the area, particularly Publix due to their stance on the issue, are presented this problem. In a city like Gainesville where the majority tends to promote environmentally safe practices, this can cause people to boycott Publix and they would lose business, giving Publix the opportunity to do something, such as use more canvas grocery bags, to promote better practices.

2. "A tasty warmup at Gainesville's new Cheesecake Factory"
https://www.gainesville.com/news/20190912/tasty-warmup-at-gainesvilles-new-cheesecake-factory
 - This article discusses the opening of the new Cheesecake Factory here in Gainesville and highlights the extraordinary menu offered by the restaurant. The menu includes over 250 options, which is a lot for employees to remember, but the city is excited for the opening and believe it will be one of the best restaurant experiences in Gainesville.
 - The problem I found in this story is all of the options in the menu, which can present the problem of employees not remembering stuff on the menu, whether it be waiters/waitresses or cooks, which can effect the quality of service.
 - Both the restaurant and the customers have the problem in this case. With over 250 options, customers can take too much time and effect the restaurants business while the employees may not be able to figure out the whole menu which effects their quality of service. This presents the opportunity for the restaurant to train employees at a high level in order to run the business smoothly.

3. "Contributions pour in for assault weapons ban"
https://www.gainesville.com/news/20190913/contributions-pour-in-for-assault-weapons-ban
 - This article discusses the ongoing support from the people of Florida for a ban on assault weapons in the state. A Florida political committee raised nearly $600,000 in the month of August, making the total amount of contributions over $1.67 million. Their goal is to get this legislation on the November 2020 ballot. Donations came from all kinds of people throughout the state in response to the Texas and Ohio mass shootings.
 - The problem presented in this story is the ban on assault weapons, which, in a state like Florida where views are very divided, can cause an uproar by those on the opposition.
 - Those affected by this would be businesses like Bass Pro Shops who sell guns on a day-to-day basis. These tragedies severely effect their business, which presents them the opportunity to either stop selling these weapons and adapt to those wanting change, or do something like promote gun safety and offer gun safety classes, or have more detailed background checks.

4. "Florida seniors leading the state in medical marijuana use"
https://www.gainesville.com/news/20190913/florida-seniors-leading-state-in-medical-marijuana-use
 - This article discusses the recent passing of legislation that made medical marijuana use legal in Florida and how most of those who are taking advantage of this are seniors. This medical use provides health benefits and senior communities are having people come speak about the benefits of medical marijuana use.
 - The problem presented in this story is the passing of this legislation due to it being a heated political topic in the state. While there are great benefits to medical marijuana, many people still do not think that it should be legal.
 - The people affected by this problem would be cannabis dispensaries and surrounding businesses. As for cannabis dispensaries, it may take a while for business to really get going once people start to get their medical cards (or when it finally becomes legal recreationally). For surrounding businesses, it is not so much of a problem here in Gainesville because most support it, but if there is a dispensary in a place that the majority does not agree with, surrounding business may be affected due to things like protests.

5. "Vaping-linked lung problems surface in Florida"
https://www.gainesville.com/news/20190910/vaping-linked-lung-problems-surface-in-florida
 - This article discusses the ongoing problem of vaping, mostly by youth, and the health problems that it is causing. More than 400 people have been hospitalized and five have died due to health reasons caused from vaping. While e-cigarette companies claim to aim their products at adults, it is mostly youth who are giving these companies most of their business. These products contain nicotine and a number of other chemicals. Doctors have said that this is a new epidemic, not something that they have seen in the past.
 - The problem presented in this story is the adverse health effects that are caused from vaping. Many of those who use these products are part of the younger generation and their bodies can be effected at an earlier stage.
 - Those affected by this problem are those who vape and e-cigarette companies. These companies are now under fire and losing a lot of business after these recent cases have surfaced. As more and more people are being hospitalized, these companies will most likely see the ban of these products.