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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Here’s why so many storms have turned away from Florida. Will our luck continue?
The Atlantic hurricane season has been very active this year, but most of the tropical storms and hurricanes have veered north as they crossed the Atlantic, carrying them away from Florida’s east coast. There are a few key factors that have kept Florida’s east coast safe this year, but those factors could change as we head into October. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Plan to shift downtown Orlando from business hub to neighborhood
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the city would do “whatever it takes” to keep its downtown safe, as he outlined shifting the area from a business center focused on luring employers to a neighborhood focused on the needs of workers. Dyer outlined the plan, dubbed “Project DTO 2.0” in his annual State of Downtown speech, which serves as a fundraiser for the Downtown Orlando Partnership. “It’s no longer about a downtown that revolves around office space,” he said. “It’s about building a downtown that appeals directly to the workers themselves.” More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Israeli cybersecurity firm to open regional HQ in Tampa, create 150 jobs
Cybecs, an Israeli cybersecurity company, says it will establish a regional headquarters in Tampa. The news comes as the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council says more than 40% of Tampa Bay EDC's new prospects this year have been international companies. Cybecs plans to create 150 jobs over the next three years in roles including information technology, software development, sales and human resources. More from the Business Observer.
Surfing Santas moves away from downtown Cocoa Beach, leaving some upset over the change
Changes to an annual event that spreads good cheer is leaving some Cocoa Beach residents feeling very Grinchy. Surfing Santas, the annual Christmas Eve extravaganza that draws thousands of people to the beachside town each year, is moving from Downtown Cocoa Beach to Shepard Park, at the end of State Road 520. Many residents and others who have attended and benefited from the Surfing Santas event said the move away from downtown was a mistake. More from Florida Today.
Miami Mayor Suarez officially under state ethics investigation for World Cup, F1 tickets
The Florida Commission on Ethics has officially opened an investigation into Miami Mayor Francis Suarez following a complaint regarding his acceptance of expensive tickets to sporting events like the Miami Formula One Grand Prix and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The investigation is based on a complaint made by local activist Thomas Kennedy, which raises questions about who paid for the various tickets worth thousands of dollars and whether Suarez complied with Florida ethics laws requiring the mayor to disclose the source of all gifts. More from the Miami Herald.
Business Beat - Week of September 29th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida Dining
Florida dining destination ranked No. 1 Everyday Eats Restaurant in U.S.
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille made its debut on Sanibel Island in 2003, with subsequent locations opening in Fort Myers Beach, at the St. Pete Pier, and most recently in the Jungle Terrace neighborhood of St. Petersburg. The Doc Ford's location at the base of the St. Pete Pier opened in 2020 has been ranked by Tripadvisor as the top choice for Everyday Eats in 2023.
» Read more from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
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