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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
This Labor Day, how is Florida’s workforce holding up?
Florida’s labor force today is more spread across different industries than it was in prior decades. But many of the Sunshine State’s workers are still concentrated in the types of jobs that have been among the hardest hit during the pandemic. And many of them are looking for employment or banking fewer hours this Labor Day. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Back-to-school sales fizzle in Florida, several other states
With schools nationwide struggling to figure out how to reopen amid the COVID-19 crisis, grocery and drugstore chains have taken a big hit when it comes to sales of school supplies. Catalina, a St. Petersburg marketing firm that specializes in shopper intelligence, says in a press release that back-to-school sales have fizzled, leading to a 31% drop nationwide in the four weeks leading up to the weekend of Aug. 22-23. More from the Business Observer.
Orlando airport takes ‘baby steps’ toward solar power with floating panels
Mayor Buddy Dyer’s focus on sustainability includes a vision for solar power at the airport that would leave tourists in awe of Orlando as a city of green energy. But they better not blink, at least for the inaugural serving of photovoltaic panels at Orlando International Airport. A solar system being installed there would cover less than a third of a football field, while a modern solar plant in Florida could span nearly 400 football fields. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Midtown in Bonita, a new development, approved in Bonita Springs
A new commercial and residential development called Midtown at Bonita gained approval from the Bonita Springs City Council at a Sept. 2 public meeting. Midtown would be build on 67 acres to the east of Interstate 75, on the northwest corner of Bonita Beach Road and Bonita Grande Drive. The community can have up to 482 multi-family dwelling units and a 165-room hotel with a maximum height of 65 feet or six floors. More from the Naples Daily News.
Groups urge Miami-Dade and Brightline to reach deal on commuter rail
More than 30 groups have joined together to support the creation of what’s referred to as the Coastal Link, connecting downtown Miami to Aventura with an affordable train that runs on Florida East Coast railroad tracks. The group calls itself the Northeast Corridor Coalition. Heading the group is the Wynwood Business Improvement District. More from WLRN.
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Industry Trends
IAAPA Expo, giant Orlando convention for theme park industry, is called off for 2020
IAAPA Expo, the giant attractions-industry gathering in Orlando, has been canceled for 2020, another event derailed by the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, the IAAPA Expo attracted 42,000 attendees from more than 100 countries to the Orange County Convention Center, where the event is held annually.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Business Profile
Sebring Soda and Ice Cream Works
Sebring Soda and Ice Cream Works is a mom-and-pop soda shop that serves up food, ice cream and ice cream floats, and of course soda. What makes this spot unique is the sheer number of unique sodas from around the country and even the world. They currently carry over 200+ craft and vintage sodas from all over the world. At the shop you can mix and match all the unique flavors to make your own crazy combinations.
» Read more from Spectrum News 13.
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