SHARE:
Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Debt ceiling war raises angst among Floridians
Few economists and politicians are sanguine about the potential impact a default would have on the national and state economies. As the COVID-19 pandemic eased, Florida’s economy rebounded ahead of most states and has enjoyed strong growth. Many believe the state would not escape anticipated ripple effects of a default-driven economic slowdown. “Florida will not be immune to those consequences,” said William Luther, an economist and associate professor at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Florida gas prices decline for 2nd week, new 3-week low
Florida gas prices declined for a second consecutive week. After dropping 9 cents per gallon on Sunday, the state average for gas is $3.56. It’s 16 cents lower than the record high of $3.72 on Apr. 21. Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group, said prices could be lower this week. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Overseas visitors in Florida: Where does Jacksonville rank among state's top destinations?
New data from the International Trade Administration’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) shows Jacksonville is the seventh most visited city in Florida by overseas travelers. Over 4 million overseas travelers visited the Sunshine State in 2021, an estimated 44.6% of the nation’s total that year, according to the NTTO data. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Ruth’s Chris deal could bring Darden expansion to Asia
Orlando-based Darden Restaurants’ $715 million deal to buy Winter Park’s Ruth’s Hospitality Group could open the door for other Darden brands to go global. Darden, which owns Olive Garden and other chain restaurants, revealed Wednesday the deal to acquire Ruth’s, which has 80 company-owned or operated Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and 74 franchised locations. Ruth’s has 23 international restaurants, including in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
‘There is no guarantee’: How stressed are Miami chefs about keeping Michelin stars?
Uncontrollable emotion is an understandable response to finding yourself with a Michelin star; after all, it’s an honor that translates into international fame, packed dining rooms and overflowing reservations. But getting a star also comes with a darker side: the stress of retaining it. More from the Miami Herald.
Profile
Dr. Jacqueline Darna, founder of NoMo Nausea and Intellidoc, Tampa
Dr. Jacqueline Darna’s initial foray into medical entrepreneurship, a consumer product called NoMo Nausea, was a hit. Now she aims to disrupt telehealth. Darna's latest venture, Intellidoc, uses artificial intelligence to increase sales of over-the-counter drugs that are recommended during telehealth sessions.
» More from the Business Observer.
Sports Business
For a soulless mausoleum, Tropicana Field is turning into a happening place
America has spoken, and it seems to enjoy belittling Tropicana Field. Time Magazine once called it “one of the most inhospitable stadiums in all of sports.” Which sounds pretty harsh until you consider the Associated Press labeled it a “monstrosity” and the Boston Globe called it “a soulless middle-of-nowhere venue.” All of which makes the current revival of downtown St. Pete’s Major League Baseball stadium sound equal parts outlandish and unlikely.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
In case you missed it:
