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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
When we shut down: How the pandemic changed the way Florida does business
It has been months since we all locked ourselves in our homes to escape the coronavirus, but it has become clear that we’ve learned a new way to live and work. Recently released sales tax data reveals the extent to which we were forced to change — as consumers and as workers — after the economy shut down last spring. Many of those businesses have since reopened, with changes, but the data from the Florida Department of Revenue also shows that we actually spent more money in some surprising places. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
How would a $15 minimum wage affect the Florida economy?
Voters in November will decide whether to raise the minimum wage in Florida to $15 per hour by 2026, and the stakes surrounding the issue are heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic for all parties involved. If passed, the proposed constitutional amendment, called "Amendment 2" on the ballot, would raise the minimum wage in Florida for workers to $15 per hour by September 2026. Tipped workers would make $11.98 per hour under this change by then, because employers who get their income primarily through tips can subsidize that wage with a $3.02 tip credit. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Strong holiday weekend for parks, but what does future hold?
Despite the pandemic, the long holiday weekend brought people outside to enjoy the sunshine, and many hit the theme parks. Some even reached capacity at times this weekend. However, there are some changes that will negatively impact the theme park experience in Central Florida. [Source: Spectrum News 13]
Florida malls evolve, open 'the future of work spaces' coworking space
Many shopping malls were already hurting before the coronavirus pandemic hit, and now some are taking on new ways to stay relevant. Malls across America are evolving and moving away from big department stores to fill their spaces with more offices or entertainment. During the lock down, the parking lot at Orange Park Mall became an arena, hosting food drives, drive-in movies, drive-in church, fitness classes and even events to give legal advice. [Source: First Coast News]
DeSantis gets the final batch of 26 bills from Legislature, has 15 days to act on them
A final batch of 26 bills approved by the House and Senate during the 2020 legislative session was sent Friday to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The measures range from a revamp of the state’s specialty license-plate system (HB 1135) to putting additional teeth into the fight against shark finning (SB 680) and trying to curb electronic-cigarette use by teens (SB 810). DeSantis will have 15 days to sign, veto or allow any of the measures to become law without his signature. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Port Canaveral commissioner candidates will face port's budget challenges if elected
The winner of the Nov. 3 election for an open seat on the Canaveral Port Authority commission will be facing a challenge like never before, because the cruise industry has been shut down since mid-March by the coronavirus pandemic. Democrat Paul Kellem and Republican Kevin Markey — who are seeking the District 4 seat — addressed this and a number of other issues during a candidate forum hosted by the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral.
› Florida Keys group wants to protect public waterfront access
Two Stock Island residents have appealed a recent decision by the Monroe County Commission to abandon Laurel and MacDonald avenues on the island in favor of adjoining landowners Murray Marine Sales and Service, Inc. and Wreckers Cay Apartments at Stock Island LLC. South Florida attorney Ron Strauss filed the petition for writ of certiorari and mandamus on behalf of Diane Beruldsen of the Stock Island Association, and resident Aramis Ikatu.
› Attorney says firm won JEA contract 'solely' due to personal relationships
An attorney who was locked into a bitter internal dispute last year over who should get credit for his firm's lucrative contract to help JEA with its attempted sale argued his case with a remarkable claim: The firm was hired "solely" because of his personal relationship with Herschel Vinyard, a now-fired JEA executive and former colleague, as well as Vinyard’s personal relationship with the managing partner of the firm’s Jacksonville office.
› Fort Lauderdale boat show seeks green light to go on as scheduled
Emboldened by a regional decline in COVID-19 cases, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show intends to move ahead with plans for its annual five-day exhibition that typically draws more than 100,000 visitors. If the six-decade show were to proceed, it would break with the major South Florida events that have canceled, including the Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale, the Tortuga Music Festival and Art Basel Miami Beach.
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