Thursday’s Afternoon Update

Florida new jobless claims increase for the first time in a month

Florida’s initial unemployment claims increased for the first time in a month for the week ending April 5. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), there were 6,510 new jobless filings during that week. That’s up by 923 claims for the week ending March 31. It’s the first increase in the figure since early March. The latest Florida figure is in line with the national trend. More from Florida Politics.

Landstar System says supply chain fraud may lower earnings

Landstar System Inc.’s first-quarter revenue met its expectations, but the Jacksonville-based trucking company said two factors may significantly reduce its earnings. “During the last fiscal week of the Company’s first fiscal quarter of 2025, the Company identified a significant supply chain fraud that remains under investigation and does not involve the Company’s core North American truckload services,” Landstar said in an April 2 Securities and Exchange Commission filing. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.

This Miami startup wants to change how the world’s biggest companies manage cash

A few years ago, Oliver Belin noticed something odd. Despite all the talk about digital transformation, many of the world’s largest companies were still relying on Excel spreadsheets to manage supplier payments – arguably one of the most critical levers of business performance. Belin is the CEO of Calculum, a Miami-based startup that helps large corporations optimize supplier payment terms. More from Refresh Miami.

First Coast brewers push for distribution freedom

Joel Marroquin wants to grow his Jacksonville brewery — but he’s not willing to sign a lifetime contract to do it. Under current Florida law, even the smallest craft brewers must enter exclusive distribution agreements that are nearly impossible to break. That’s why Marroquin, head brewer at Tepeloyot Cerveceria, and dozens of others across the state are rallying behind House Bill 499, a fast-moving piece of legislation that would allow breweries producing under 1,000 barrels annually to self-distribute and escape the grip of restrictive wholesaler contracts. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Nearly 1,000 laid off as food service company loses USF contract

Food service provider Aramark will lay off 949 employees at the University of South Florida later this year after losing its contract with the school. The company announced the job cuts in a letter to state officials posted on Florida’s Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification website Wednesday. According to the letter, the job cuts will begin June 18. More from the Business Observer.

The critical role of appellate attorneys

Clients often question the necessity of hiring an appellate attorney when they already have a litigation or trial attorney handling their case. After all, the trial attorney was chosen for their skills and expertise, which can make their presence seem sufficient. But as legal matters unfold, the complexities of a case can easily surpass the trial attorney’s focus and abilities, particularly in cases that may be appealed. [Sponsored report]