Florida

The county plans to expand the existing Metromover to create a transit corridor that will connect the cities of Miami and Miami Beach without riders having to transfer.

"No bonding will be needed to pay for Ian-insured losses," says Ben Watkins, director of Florida's Division of Bond Finance.

Watkins has served in a variety of leadership roles on muni associations and is described by colleagues as a tireless advocate for the municipal bond issuing community.

At 2.5%, Florida's September unemployment rate is the second lowest in the state's history and the lowest since October 2006.

The Minnesota municipal bond vet will continue his focus on charter school finance in Florida.

The credit outlook on individual credits in Florida is mixed as the first reports of damage from the hurricane start filtering in.

"We are extraordinarily well positioned to deal with this storm from a financial standpoint," said Ben Watkins, director of Florida's Bond Division.

AccuWeather says Hurricane Ian may turn out to be one of the costliest storms in the county's history due to its violent storm surge, damaging winds and overpowering flooding rains.

Modeled after New York City's Hudson Yards, the plans call for a high-density urban district with a transit terminal and at least 35% affordable housing.

Ben Watkins, Director of the State of Florida's Bond Division, talks with Chip Barnett about the latest news coming out of the Sunshine State and takes a look at what's happening in Reedy Creek. He discusses Florida's bonding and debt, infrastructure plans and dives into the state's ESG priorities. (30 minutes)