‘Limited’ oyster harvesting eyed in Apalachicola Bay
State wildlife officials could allow oyster harvesting in part of Northwest Florida’s Apalachicola Bay, where the fishery collapsed more than a decade ago and continues to struggle to recover. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff members have recommended a “limited opening,” as some oyster reefs in the bay have recovered “to a condition that could support limited commercial and recreational harvest.” More from the News Service of Florida.
Jacksonville launches new data initiative designed to boost quality of life, economy
Mayor Donna Deegan says a new data initiative developed by her office and private partners provides a central bank of information to help policymakers assess needs of underserved areas of the community and bring Jacksonville up to par with peer cities in quality of life and economic activity. Described by the city as a free, web-based resource, State of Jax compares various areas of Jacksonville demographically and also measures the city against 13 similar metros. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record and Jax Today.
Disney World notches record 3rd-quarter revenue
Walt Disney World brought in record revenue for the third financial quarter, company executives announced Wednesday. “There’s been a lot of concerns, of course, because of the new Universal park down in Florida,” Hugh Johnston, Walt Disney Co. chief financial officer, said in an interview on CNBC. “We really blew away the quarter … 8% revenue [increase], 13% operating income. And Walt Disney World had its biggest Q3 ever.” More from the Orlando Sentinel.
First Watch reaches 600-restaurant milestone
Leaders of the daytime dining concept First Watch have said their goal is to aim for 2,200 restaurants. During its Aug. 5 earnings call, the company reported it had reached the 600-restaurant milestone. First Watch, headquartered in east Manatee County, has 531 company-owned and 69 franchise-owned restaurants across 31 states, as of the end of the second quarter. From April through June, the company opened 17 restaurants systemwide in eight states and closed one location, totaling 600 restaurants. More from the Business Observer.
Fiscally threatened Tri-Rail sets passenger record
As it fights for its financial life, Tri-Rail this week released figures detailing an all-time fiscal year ridership record that surpassed its pre-pandemic highs as it races full throttle to find adequate long-haul funding. The three-county commuter railway “is actively collaborating with the Florida Legislature, Florida Department of Transportation, and leadership from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties to secure a long-term funding solution,” a statement from the publicly owned railway’s parent said. More from Miami Today.
Arts Business
McRae Art Studios presents annual 8×10 sale and fundraiser, offering affordable art
McRae Art Studios, a collective of 22 working artists in Central Florida, is inviting the community into its doors for an annual fundraiser and sale of affordable art. The studios’ annual 8×10 sale returns for its ninth year on Saturday, giving community members the chance to acquire affordable art at a fraction of the usual price. Patrons can browse from a selection of nearly 200 two-dimensional works and 15 three-dimensional pieces.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Retail Trends
IKEA to open mini-showrooms in some Florida Best Buy stores
There are only five IKEA locations in Florida — Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa — but thanks to a new partnership with Best Buy, the popular Swedish furniture store is bringing mini-showrooms to new locations this fall. No word yet on whether meatballs will be available, but 10 Best Buy locations in Florida and Texas will each carve out a 1,000-foot area to showcase IKEA's kitchen and laundry room furnishings.
» Read more from the Florida Times-Union.