Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/3/2018

Florida gas prices reach 16-month low

Florida gas prices are at their lowest since August 2017, with the main force behind the drop being a glut in oil. The state averaged $2.33 a gallon Monday, down 9 cents over the week, according to AAA, the Auto Club Group. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, WJXT, and the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida's transportation agency now listens to neighbors it once dismissed

For years, the Florida Department of Transportation was known for its antagonistic relationship with the public, which peaked with the Tampa Bay Express highway expansion. That project was quashed after a public outcry, and multiple leaders were replaced. Now, the agency is trying to move forward and rebuild trust in the community. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Remembrance: Seibert, 91, was a lion of Sarasota architecture

Edward J. “Tim” Seibert, who spent his entire career in Sarasota and became the elder statesman of local architecture, died Sunday morning at his home in Boca Grande. He was 91. Known for his elegant manner and eloquence in both the written and spoken word, Seibert was one of the original “Sarasota School” architects, and designed, either by himself or with his firm, Seibert Architects, dozens of important buildings. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Palmetto considers plan for hotels next to convention center

For more than 30 years, Manatee County and city of Palmetto officials have talked about attracting a hotel near the Bradenton Area Convention Center. That much-anticipated achievement is on the verge of finally happening, with plans for two hotels on property adjoining the center about to be authorized. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

More than 100 FPL workers help restore power after California’s deadliest wildfire

Florida Power & Light Co. said it is sending is more than 100 line workers and support staff to help restore power after the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, with many leaving over the weekend from Palm Beach International Airport. More from the Palm Beach Post.

Sports Business
Jacksonville’s growth rewards NFL’s surprise choice

Twenty-five years ago, the National Football League surprised the sports world on Nov. 30, 1993, by selecting a small-market Sun Belt city for its newest team. Back then, Jacksonville didn’t have a St. Johns Town Center or a River City Marketplace. The Jacksonville metropolitan area still had fewer than 1 million residents, a lightweight compared to other NFL cities.

» More from the Florida Times-Union.

Profile
Women's Entrepreneur Empowerment

Sabrina Farmer-Protic knows firsthand the struggles of starting a business, networking and gaining the proper exposure for it to succeed, especially for a woman. For this reason she started her own organization, Women's Entrepreneur Empowerment (W.E.E.) in November 2016 to foster empowerment, educate women on how to grow their business, successfully network, and to promote strategic business development and community enrichment.