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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Cigarette makers rejected by U.S. Supreme Court on Florida lawsuits
The U.S. Supreme Court turned away the tobacco industry’s effort to derail lawsuits by thousands of Florida smokers, leaving cigarette makers exposed to potentially billions of dollars in liability. The justices on Monday rejected appeals in eight cases that totaled more than $120 million in awards to smokers and their family members. More from Bloomberg and Bloomberg Law.
Sales and Marketing Advice
The Goldilocks principle in launching a new business or product: Getting it 'just right'
Here’s the situation; you’re in the early stages of planning the launch of a new business and product. Here’s the quandary: do you stay in stealth mode until it’s fully baked and ready to roll out or open your kimono now? The answer is sort of in-between. Or as Goldilocks said, "Not too hot and not too cold.” Read Ron Stein's full column.
Small business owners can get help through new Gainesville program
The opportunity has arrived for small businesses within Gainesville city limits to get help financing the growth of their ventures. The city of Gainesville Department of Doing has partnered with Community Bank & Trust of Florida to offer the Opportunity Loan Program, which is designed to help small business owners create jobs, grow their businesses and strengthen the local economy. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Florida gas prices rise sharply to hit a new 2019 high
Gas prices moved up sharply across Florida in the past week, rising 11 cents per gallon in that time. The West Palm Beach and Boca Raton market had the most expensive gas in Florida at $2.46 a gallon followed by Miami at $2.39 a gallon and the Sebastian-Vero Beach are at $2.38 a gallon. Jacksonville had the least expensive gas in Florida at $2.29 a gallon followed by the Villages and the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater at $2.31 a gallon. More from Florida Daily and the Miami Herald.
Program could revitalize impoverished areas in Sarasota
Several impoverished areas in the city could be revitalized after being designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The program for the four economically distressed areas helps low-income communities by providing tax advantages for private individuals and corporations that invest in an Opportunity Zone Fund. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Business Profile
Air Pros
When South Florida entrepreneur Anthony Perera decided to invest in a new business a few years ago, he picked one of the most competitive, crowded and difficult sectors in the region, and one that is essential to most homes and businesses: air conditioning. “We estimated that there are about 1,000 licensed HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) contractors in the tri-county area,” said Perera, president and co-owner of Davie-based Air Pros.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Florida History
The rise and fall of Eastern Airlines
Eastern Airlines, a Miami mainstay in the air and on the ground, changed forever 30 years ago. On March 9, 1989, the airline filed for bankruptcy. At the time, it was South Florida’s second largest employer.
» Read more from the Miami Herald.
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