Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/28/2018

Developer plans $500 million Midtown Tampa project

In what would be one of Tampa Bay’s biggest developments, a New York company plans a half-billion dollar project at the southeast corner of 1-275 and North Dale Mabry Highway. "Our vision is to inspire a transformative, truly walkable district connecting downtown Tampa and Westshore Business District," said Nicholas Haines, CEO and master developer for the Bromley Companies. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

The big squeeze: Florida's $10 billion citrus industry is in trouble

Today, the state’s citrus crop is less than one-third of what it was 20 years ago. Private estimates had predicted that Florida’s groves would turn out 75 million boxes of oranges and six million boxes of grapefruit this past season — slated to be the best crop in a decade. The actual numbers fell far short of that forecast. More from Jupiter Magazine.

Easter spending expected to be near all-time record in Florida

The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating more than 80 years of supporting Florida’s retail industry, says Floridians will increase their Easter spending to near record levels this year, with the per person average expected to top $150, down slightly from last year’s record total of $152. Full story from the FRF here.

South Florida startups taste the one thing they’ve been missing: money

South Florida startups are finally being shown the money. A total of 104 venture capital deals were signed by young companies in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties in 2017, according to data compiled for the Miami Herald by research group Pitchbook. More from the Miami Herald.

Divided council strips JEA committee of power to subpoena witnesses, compel truth

A sharply divided City Council on Tuesday stripped a special committee exploring the potential privatization of JEA of its power to compel witnesses to show up and tell the truth, putting a stop to the group’s anticipated administering of an oath Thursday to the utility’s chief executive officer. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Arts and Culture
“The Corporation”

Written by veteran (and best-selling) historian of organized crime T.J. English — who will sign copies Wednesday night at Books & Books in Coral Gables — “The Corporation” is a wild and bloody ride through a harrowing epoch of South Florida history.

» More from the Miami Herald.

Business Profile
The Makers Market and Workshops

A Manatee County business is one of 102 winners of the 2018 American Small Business Championship run by the national small business counseling organization SCORE. The Makers Market and Workshops, a do-it-yourself studio and gift shop, was opened in October 2016.