Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/18/2017

Florida's hotel taxes — not just for tourism anymore?

Tourist tax dollars could pay for roads, sewers and other projects under a bill being debated in the Florida Legislature. Currently, taxes on hotel rooms must go to tourism marketing or projects directly related to attracting tourists, such as beach renourishment or facilities such as aquariums and convention centers. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Your turn:
» Should the Florida legislature broaden what the "bed tax" can be spent on (beyond tourism marketing)? (quick poll)

Florida gas prices back to pre-Hurricane Harvey levels

Just in time for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, gas prices across Florida are back down to pre-Hurricane Harvey levels. State prices averaged $2.37 per gallon, according to AAA, The Auto Club Group. Read more at the Tampa Bay Times.

Increase in First Coast companies providing extended paid family leave for workers

Only about 10 percent of U.S. companies offer expanded family leave pay, according to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management. Candace Moody, vice president of communications for CareerSource of North Florida, said it’s encouraging that the figure is increasing on the First Coast. More from the Florida Times-Union.

St. Lucie County wants South Florida’s mega-yacht business

The St. Lucie County Commission unanimously approved a plan to pay $25 million for land at the Port of Fort Pierce for conversion to a mega-yacht refurbishing center. More from The Real Deal.

Small Business Advice
Reflections on Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

For the business owner, the purchase of business interruption insurance is a must. This covers your loss of income due to a covered property damage claim. While adequate insurance is important, it is also critical that the business have a back-up plan in place. Read Gray Poehler's full column.

Industry Trends
Why there seems to be a barbershop at every shopping center in Miami

The struggling brick-and-mortar retail industry, which is racing to reinvent itself in the era of e-commerce and dwindling patronage, is increasingly relying on service-oriented businesses — restaurants, gyms, barbershops — to keep customers coming to strip malls and shopping centers.

» More from the Miami Herald.

Out of the Box
Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum

The Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum, which is in Sadler Square Shopping Plaza, has been in operation for a little more than a year. “I’m not trying to make a living,” said owner Tim Trickett, a retired mechanical engineer. “I’m just trying to pay the rent.”