Backlogged cases in Florida reflect crippled federal immigration court system
Florida leads in what has become a nationwide problem: a massive backlog in immigration court cases that determine whether an immigrant can stay in the country. More cases are waiting to be heard in Florida‘s immigration courts than in any other state, according to data compiled by Syracuse University. It’s a long-standing problem wherein cases have piled up over the years in front of a shortage of judges. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Spirit bolsters finances by borrowing $275 million, extending credit card processing deal
Spirit Airlines, which just 10 days ago warned it had doubts about its ability to operate past June of next year, still has cards to play. After the financial markets closed Thursday, management announced it made two key moves to solidify the Dania Beach-based airline’s cash position. The troubled discount carrier said it drew down on the entirety of its $275 million revolving credit line, and negotiated an extended agreement with its credit card processor for another two years. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Orlando’s tourism industry posts major gains, Visit Orlando study finds
Back in 2020, the unthinkable happened. Disney World was empty. The giant tourism machine of Orlando shut down during the pandemic. Fast forward to the present day, and Orlando’s tourism industry is back and running stronger than ever. Visit Orlando held a virtual news conference on Thursday to discuss the study results that estimated tourism generated a record-breaking $94.5 billion economic impact in 2024 as the community welcomed 75.3 million visitors. More from Florida Politics.
PSC-UWF collaborating on 'Clean Lab' programs that could bring new industry, $100K+ jobs
Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida are partnering to start Clean Lab Technology degree programs intended to create high-paying jobs and draw new industry into the area. PSC is applying for Triumph Gulf Coast, Florida Job Growth and Florida Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Program grants to initiate a Clean Lab Technology Program that would be applicable in industries where sterilization and sanitation of the products they produce is essential, said PSC President Ed Meadows. More from the Pensacola News Journal.
Future of famous St. Pete bookstore, closed for 5 years, remains a mystery
Haslam’s Book Store in St. Petersburg closed in 2020 — nearly 2,000 days ago — and has never reopened. The store’s owners have remained quiet about the store’s future leading to questions about what will happen to an attractive piece of commercial property. For now, everyone must wait until — or even if — the owners of the Central Avenue property make their next move. More from the Business Observer.
Business Beat - Week of August 22nd
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Perry’s propellant
Nammo, an international aerospace and defense company, is partnering with U.S. defense contractor Raytheon to build a $130-million expansion to its existing manufacturing facility in Perry. Headquartered in Norway, Nammo manufactures rocket motors, specialized ammunition and pyrotechnic products for the U.S. Department of Defense. The company’s plans call for construction of a rocket motor production plant along with 10 new buildings for the administration, production and testing of solid rocket motors.
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