Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/18/2019

Florida revenue projections stable for next two years but looming slowdown clouds horizon

Florida state economists forecast stable revenues for the next two fiscal years but point to potential troubles in the longer term as uncertain national economic trends muddy projections. The state’s Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) late last week estimated lawmakers will have $33.5 billion in general revenue during the 2020 fiscal budget year beginning July 1. That is $7.4 million less than the REC last forecast in December. More from the Florida Watchdog.

Sales and Marketing Advice
3 things I learned selling hamburgers

When a business does not do exactly the same things as its competitors, it will be financially successful. Plus, showing that your business and its people genuinely care will keep its customers coming back for more. And focus, then focus some more. Read Ron Stein's full column here.

Florida’s shift on medical marijuana encouraged by millions in political donations

Since the summer of 2016, when a campaign to bring a full-fledged medical marijuana market to Florida by constitutional amendment hit high gear, Florida’s licensed cannabis corporations and their executives have given at least $2.5 million in political contributions to state lawmakers and political parties. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

He was a Florida business leader and a big Miami tourism booster. Sidney Levin dies at 83

Sidney Levin could sell wind to a hurricane — or, more accurately, sell a hurricane to the world. Just weeks after Hurricane Andrew devastated South Miami-Dade in 1992, the chairman-elect of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau assured the rest of the nation in an ad campaign that the area’s beaches, “cleaned by the winds and renourished by fresh, white sand, are more inviting than ever.” More from the Miami Herald.

Small Business Advice
What is the wisdom in buying a failing business?

The major factor to consider when buying a local business that is losing money is why is the business losing money? Unless you possess the management skills to turn the business around, such a purchase is ill-advised. Read Gray Poehler's full column here.

Out of the Box
Florida’s bizarre lost theme parks from before the Disney era

Before a certain mouse took over Orlando, Florida was already home to a slew of delightfully bizarre tourist attractions. You could meet menacing pirates and hoop skirt-clad Southern Belles. Or visit the circus every day. Or watch an 80-year-old man break a world record as he waterskied barefoot in a banana-yellow jumpsuit.

» More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida Dining
Where has the corned beef gone?

Looking for a good place to get some corned beef today? In the Miami area, it probably won’t be at a deli. In the last two decades, South Florida has lost most of its major delis — the places where the pastramis were spiced and brined and cut at the counter, where waitresses snapped “Sweetheart” as they tossed down buckets of dill pickles and prune danish.