New Florida tax holiday kicks off
Starting Monday and running through the end of the year, Florida will provide a sales-tax exemption on a variety of hunting equipment, the first time a state tax “holiday” includes guns and ammunition. The tax holiday starting Monday also will allow people to avoid paying sales taxes on camping and fishing equipment through the end of the year. It was part of a broad tax package (HB 7031) that lawmakers passed in June. More from Click Orlando.
National Hurricane Center watching 3 tropical waves. What Florida residents should know and do
The National Hurricane Center is tracking three tropical waves in the Atlantic basin, including one in the western Caribbean. No watches or warnings have been issued as of Monday morning, Sept. 8. The quiet in the tropics comes at a time known historically as the peak of hurricane season. The busiest portion of the Atlantic hurricane season runs from mid-August through mid-October, with the peak hitting Sept. 10. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Miami Tech Works puts focus on work-based learning to build talent pipeline
The calendar may still say its summer, but there has been no slowdown for Miami Tech Works and its mission to create more career pathways for emerging local talent in tech. Miami Tech Works’ Miami Tech Talent Coalition brings together employers, training partners and community leaders to create a sustainable talent pipeline. More from Refresh Miami.
North Port commission holds the line on property tax rate for sixth year in a row
The North Port City Commission is set to maintain the property tax rate for the sixth consecutive year. A proposed hiring freeze to lower property taxes was discussed but did not gain majority support from the commission. The city's overall property value increased by 8.9%, which will generate an additional $3 million in revenue. Commissioners also approved new fee rates for road and drainage, fire rescue, and solid waste special districts. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Brevard setting record tourist tax revenue, but concerns about outlook remain
Brevard County's tourism sector has been having its best summer ever, based on some newly compiled data. But one of the Space Coast's leading hotel executives says that, for established hotels, things aren't quite as good as they seem because of increased competition from new hotels opening and from vacation rentals. More from Florida Today.
The unstoppable Zohan
The pride and joy Zohan’s parents felt the day he was born was undeniable. But that happiness came with cause for concern when early in childhood, they noticed him walking on his toes while playing with friends. When Zohan’s primary doctor observed differences in the length and shape of his feet, his parents were referred to Dr. Shawn Standard and Dr. Jason Malone at Nemours Children’s Hospital. Today, Zohan more than keeps up with his classmates with renewed confidence and without pain. [Sponsored report]
Business Profile
Longevity clinic to launch franchise program
A wellness clinic focused on longevity that started in Jacksonville more than a decade ago has begun franchising, with its first franchisees opening a location in the Sarasota-Manatee area. Currently, there are six Anderson Longevity Clinic locations, including two in Jacksonville, one in Davie and another in Winter Park. It also has practices in Carmel, Indiana, and Johnston, Rhode Island.
» More from the Business Observer.
Entertainment
Inaugural concert
On June 14, country music superstar Luke Bryan became the first-ever major musician to perform at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox. It marked Fenway South’s debut as Southwest Florida’s newest and biggest concert venue.
» Read more from Florida Trend.