This brief lull in hurricanes could be a glimpse of the future. But it won’t last
An Atlantic Ocean devoid of swirling tropical waves is a welcome but unusual sight for mid-September. For the third time in a few years, what is usually the busiest stretch of the season is in a lull. Meteorologists say it’s a combination of factors that has led to this oddly quiet period. Some scientists suspect climate change could be dampening the most active part of the hurricane season. They also warn that it will not last. [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida ranks second in nation for job scam vulnerability as unemployment rises
As unemployment claims surge across the United States, scammers are increasingly targeting desperate job seekers, with Florida ranking as the second most vulnerable state in the country for employment fraud. A new study from BrokerChooser analyzed Federal Trade Commission fraud reports and found that job scams have become the fourth most common type of fraud nationwide, with a 118% increase in recent years. [Source: WFTX]
Florida ban on open carry of guns unconstitutional, appeals court rules
Florida is closer to allowing for the open carry of firearms in public, based on a court decision out of the Panhandle. On Wednesday, the Florida First District Court of Appeal ruled that the state’s open carry ban is unconstitutional, saying that it conflicts with the Second Amendment’s guarantee of the right to bear arms. The state appeals court said that under the U.S. Supreme Court’s new framework for evaluating restrictions on the Second Amendment, Florida’s ban didn’t pass muster. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Column: Restoring Apalachicola Bay: Can GIS mapping help save the oysters and bay?
Apalachicola Bay in Florida was once famous for its oysters, producing 90% of Florida’s supply and 10% of the entire U.S. market. The estuary not only supported local economies but also shaped the culture and livelihoods of coastal families. Yet decades of environmental and human pressures have brought this once-thriving ecosystem to crisis. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Florida ranks near bottom for hotel staff friendliness
Florida is a magnet for travelers, drawing millions each year to its beaches, theme parks and resorts. But according to a recent study, the Sunshine State falls short where many visitors hope to be met with warmth: staff friendliness. The survey examined the top 20 hotels in each state with a minimum four-star rating on TripAdvisor. Florida’s challenges don’t mean improvement is out of reach. The state has a robust hospitality education network, with eight of its public universities, state colleges and even high schools offering programs focused on hospitality. [Source: Gulfshore Business]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Avionics tech company selects St. Pete for global HQ
A multinational pilot training, simulation, avionics and flight data intelligence solutions provider will open its new global headquarters in downtown St. Petersburg. Acron Aviation announced Wednesday that it signed a long-term lease at the City Center office tower. Acron, once a division of L3Harris, a prominent defense contractor and technology conglomerate, became a separate entity in March when private equity firm TJC acquired its parent company.
› This Swedish candy shop just opened in Coral Gables, and immediately went viral
Want to taste some of the yummiest Swedish candy in Miami? So does everyone else, apparently. ScandyCandy opened on Aug. 9 to much social media fanfare in downtown Coral Gables, and went a little too viral for its own good. As seen on the city’s Mayor Vince Lago’s page, fans lined up on the first day on Miracle Mile attempting to cram into the cheery, sleek space and post in real time. By the following Monday, ScandyCandy announced on Instagram it was temporarily closing to reset and restock their inventory.
› Boeing’s new defense-minded engineering center in Daytona promises 400 jobs
Boeing celebrated its new Florida investment Wednesday with the opening of a defense industry hub on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Company and school officials were joined by elected officials Wednesday to cut the ribbon on Boeing’s takeover of a new 65,000-square-foot building within ERAU’s Research Park. Boeing’s storylines the last couple of years have not been the most positive with the exception of the company’s lucrative defense contracts, and that has been the impetus behind the company’s Florida expansion.
› North Port rejects private partnership to pay for two needed infrastructure projects
North Port city commissioners dismissed the option of contracting with a private partner for two key infrastructure projects at a Sept. 8 public workshop. City voters rejected bond sales to finance the two projects – a solid waste transfer station and repairs that must be made to the city’s sewer system – in light of a looming consent order from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and construction of a new police station.
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› UNFI opens robotic distribution center in Florida
United Natural Foods, Inc. has opened a new distribution center in Florida that is replete with automation technology designed to boost order accuracy and efficiency, the grocery wholesaler and distributor announced Tuesday. The equipment will help UNFI improve its ability to serve grocers while also cutting operating costs and improving working conditions for employees, according to the company.
› Miami Beach follows four-year path to be Blue Zone city
Miami Beach is moving the needle toward a healthier tomorrow as it leverages partnerships to become a Blue Zones city. “It’s [becoming a Blue Zones city] a multi-layered process over several years,” said Mayor Steven Meiner. “We are leveraging our partnerships right now with Mount Sinai, Jackson, UM and others, and really looking forward to using those partnerships to drive forward."
› Royal Caribbean won't sail to this Caribbean location 'out of abundance of caution.'
A visit to Royal Caribbean's private destination in Haiti won't be coming off your bucket list this year. The cruise line announced it has canceled scheduled visits to Labadee, its private destination in Haiti, until spring 2026 out of "an abundance of caution." The U.S. State Department has listed Haiti as a "do not travel" area, giving the country the highest rating possible: Level 4.
› Sarasota City Commission takes next step in search for city manager
The Sarasota City Commission chose to give the little fish a big shot at its special meeting Sept. 9 by hiring Sumter Local Government Consulting to spearhead the next iteration of its long-running city manager search. Sumter, the youngest of the three firms the commission elected to interview in its Aug. 26 meeting, battled MGT Impact Solutions, an industry leader in executive recruitment, and Slavin Management Consultants, which dropped out of the interview process prior to the meeting.