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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
GOP may hold RNC in Jacksonville after dispute with North Carolina over coronavirus safeguards
Republicans have tentatively selected Jacksonville as the site for the GOP Republican National Convention in August, according to a report by the Washington Post. The paper says three Republican officials confirmed the plans to bring the convention to Florida. But the RNC is reportedly trying to determine whether Jacksonville has enough hotel rooms to accommodate the quadrennial event. More from the Orlando Sentinel, the Florida Times-Union, and WFTS.
The pandemic gave franchisees shopping South Florida real estate a leg up
While many all-cash investors are waiting to see how the pandemic progresses, opportunities are opening up for commercial buyers who depend on financing. For franchisees whose brands serve middle-class clients, that’s good news. That’s the word from South Florida commercial real estate agents and lawyers, who have seen a flurry of deals from fast-food restaurants, spa brands and automotive chains. More from the Miami Herald.
Downtown Miami filled with cautious optimism as recovery begins
Downtown Miami has not been Teflon during Covid-19. Still, there is cautious optimism the urban core could be seeing a return to normal, and some economic development opportunities could emerge from the pandemic. The City of Miami has begun its reopening, and by extension, downtown Miami is starting to liven up again. More from Miami Today.
Weeki Wachee, the city of live mermaids, is no more
The city of Weeki Wachee ceased to be on Tuesday when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill dissolving the municipality. Founded in 1966 to put the famous Weeki Wachee mermaid attraction onto maps and road signs, the city at last count had just 13 residents. But in recent years, the city’s coexistence with the state park caused friction. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
NASCAR set to allow fans back in Florida
NASCAR is ready to reopen to fans. One of the few sports to run in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, NASCAR is now the largest to allow fans to return as more states relax their business shutdowns. NASCAR decided a limited number of fans can attend races this month at Homestead-Miami Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. More from the AP.
Sports Business
MLS officially announces format for tournament at Disney World in Orlando
Major League Soccer is bringing its 26 teams to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando for a World Cup style tournament, the league officially announced Wednesday. The “MLS is Back” event will kick off on July 8 and feature 54 total matches with group and knockout stages. There will be a group stage, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and championship.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Business Profile
Dorado Graphix
During a global pandemic--or any difficult period--it's important for small businesses owners to form a community. That's what Bart Jordan, the founder and president of Dorado Graphix thinks. "We're all in this together," says Jordan, adding that entrepreneurs also need to stay positive: "If you're not optimistic, you shouldn't be in business for yourself." Jordan recently took out a $35,000 Paycheck Protection Program loan to pay the rent and his six employees. With his business stabilized, he began to look for ways to help his community. He found one a month ago when businesses in Jacksonville began to turn the lights back on.
» Read more from Inc.
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