March 29, 2024

Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 5/13/2019

Florida’s citrus production forecast continues to slide

Estimates of citrus production in Florida continue to slide as the 2018-2019 growing season nears an end. Figures posted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate overall production of oranges, grapefruit and other specialty crops is off more than 10 percent from an initial forecast in October. The latest numbers reflected the plight of an industry still struggling from 2017’s Hurricane Irma, decade-long pressure from deadly citrus-greening disease, expansion of development into rural areas and changes in national drinking habits. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida Small Business is all new for 2019

Starting a small business in Florida? Own a small business and looking for assistance to help you grow in the Sunshine State? You need Florida Small Business -- the official publication of Enterprise Florida and the Florida SBDC Network. Florida Small Business is the only magazine that includes “dba Florida,” the official guide from the Florida Division of Corporations. Florida Small Business provides essential information and practical advice to small business owners, managers and entrepreneurs. It includes tips for selling to the government, strategies for attracting and retaining customers, tax filing information, essential contacts and much more! More from Florida Small Business.

Should FPL customers get $772 million tax windfall? A decision to come Tuesday

Florida Power & Light Co. customers will find out Tuesday whether they’ll have a $772 million annual tax refund coming their way in lower electric rates, possibly in the fall. The Florida Public Service Commission, which regulates electric utilities, is scheduled to consider the tax issue at its regular conference on Tuesday in Tallahassee. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Sarasota County scraps priority to create a convention center

The Sarasota County Commission’s top priority of creating a major conference center was put on the back burner this week because of other hot-button issues facing the county, such as water quality and updating aging infrastructure. The commission in December identified the possibility of creating a major conference center that could also be used as a multiuse facility for indoor sports as one of its 2019 priorities. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

SBA District and State of Florida Small Business Week award winners

The Small Business Week Celebration was Friday at the University of North Florida. The event was presented by the Florida Small Business Development Center. See the U.S. Small Business Administration 2019 District and State of Florida Small Business Week award winners at the Jacksonville Daily Record.

Trend Mention

Small Business Leadership ConferenceSmall Business Leadership Conference

               

The Small Business Leadership Conference is the premier professional development and networking opportunity for small business owners, managers, executives, economic and community development leaders, marketing professionals, and nonprofits in Florida and beyond. Held June 26-28, 2019 at the JW Marriott in Orlando, the conference will offer attendees an opportunity to hear inspiring keynotes, attend engaging workshops, and learn strategies to ignite strategic growth. Visit SBLConference.com to secure your spot today! 


         

Transportation
Like Uber but free: New electric shuttles popping up all over South Florida

 You may have heard that in life there are no free rides. Forget about that. In a growing number of South Florida cities, you really can ride for free. So you’ll have to forego air conditioning, the ride won’t last more than five or 10 minutes, and you won’t exceed 35 mph. But you can take comfort in knowing you are helping to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Tipping the driver is optional.

» More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

 

Small Business Profile
Wolf Scrubs

floridaWhen she was 5 years old, Willow Wolf met Two Hangry Chicks. Almost immediately, the girl from St. Petersburg connected with their mission: to donate food and develop a culture of helping the community. Willow, now 11, has developed a small business over the past year.

» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

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Florida Trend Video Pick

Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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