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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
'It's a challenge': Florida losing money as movies film in cheaper states
The Florida film industry is fighting to bring movies and money to the Sunshine State. Several blockbusters have locations set in our state, but production companies can’t afford to make them here. "It’s a challenge right now to try and get major feature film and television here to the state of Florida," said John Lux, who’s also fighting to expand Florida’s film footprint as the executive director of Film Florida. More from WOFL.
Florida gas prices reach lowest average of the new year
Florida gasoline prices are on the decline, hitting the lowest daily average since Dec. 30. Prices were 8 cents lower than last week and dropped the state average to $3.08 per gallon. Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group, said Florida prices are continuing to bounce above and below the $3 mark. "This week, prices are below $3 in various cities throughout the state. Only time will tell if that trend continues," Jenkins said. More from Florida Today.
Fewer homes are being built on First Coast; here's how big of a drop
Housing permits issued for the month of December continued the recent drop in permits issued year over year, finishing the year at its lowest levels since 2019. Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties issued 11,821 permits in 2023, down from 2022’s 13,802 permits and down further from 2021’s record high of more than 16,000 permits issued, according to the latest information from the Northeast Florida Builders Association. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
In return, Winter Park Institute looks to more diverse future
The Winter Park Institute, which almost disappeared during the COVID-19 shutdown of 2020, has slowly been making a comeback — and now leaders have high hopes to reach a wider range of people with its thought-provoking programs. “Our goal is we want to bring Winter Park Institute to all of Central Florida and introduce diverse programs for all people,” said co-executive director Lauren Zimmerman. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Tampa Convention Center nominated for city awards
The Tampa Convention Center has been nominated for a pair of awards handed out by the Tampa Downtown Partnership. According to a news release issued by the city, the center is up for the Public Sector Project Award and the Activation Spaces award. The Urban Excellence Awards from the partnership “celebrate organizations, projects and events that have contributed toward creating a unique, vibrant and diverse environment in Downtown Tampa.” More from the Business Observer.
Out of the Box
New York company to open two automated ping-pong locations in Miami
A table tennis startup, which allows customers to reserve a table at any time, will soon open two locations in Miami. New York-based PingPod is set to open PingPod Brickell and PingPod Wynwood on Jan. 19, said David Silberman, co-founder and CFO of PingPod Inc.
» More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Tech Trends
Five biotech companies taking Florida by storm
Florida is currently home to the nation’s second-largest medical device manufacturing industry, second-largest pharmaceuticals manufacturing industry, and the fourth-largest biotech R&D industry, making it a large life sciences hub within the U.S.
» Read more from Labiotech.
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