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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida is bucking trend by seeing foreclosure increases
Florida is bucking the trend by seeing rises in foreclosure starts. ATTOM Data Solutions reported that foreclosure starts in the Sunshine State increased by 23 percent last month compared to May 2018. It was the 12th month in a row Florida had seen double-digit annual increases in foreclosure starts. Nationwide, foreclosure starts year-over-year were down 9 percent in May, while they were up less than 1 percent from April. More from WPTV and the AP.
Virgin Trains in Central Florida will leave highway traffic in the ‘dust’
When Virgin trains begin service from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and beyond, the Orlando area will gain the distinction for hosting nearly the fastest rail travel in the United States. The 39 miles of Virgin’s twin-track corridor from Cocoa to Orlando International Airport will be entirely new, have no crossings and will be intensively maintained to minimize bumping or jarring. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Was the Florida mission to Israel kosher? Yes and no, Influencers say
When it was announced that Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida’s other top elected officials and nearly 100 top-tier lobbyists, business executives and academics were planning a historic trip to Israel in late May, the fuzzy details and lack of clarity surrounding the trip drew the ire of journalists and open government advocates who feared violations of Florida’s premier open government laws. More from the Miami Herald.
AT&T invests nearly $3.2 billion over 3-year period to boost Florida networks
In 2018, AT&T made more than 3,200 wireless network upgrades throughout the Sunshine State. Policy makers in Florida have adopted smart policies that have opened the door to increased investments in vital, high-speed infrastructure, and in that pro-investment environment, AT&T will continue its investment in Florida with additional upgrades. More from Florida Trend.
Small Business Advice
Alternative sources of funding for Small Business
To be honest, there is no quick and easy solution to fund a start-up business when you have limited resources and a less than stellar credit rating. Crowdfunding websites like www.kickstarter.com and www.IndieGoGo.com are a possibility. Also micro lenders like www.kiva.org make loans to minorities and low to moderate income individuals. Banks typically want to see a credit score of at least 650 with collateral to secure a loan. Read Gray Poehler's full column here.
Nonprofit Trends
Wounded Warrior Project regains growth
After a financial free-fall, Wounded Warrior Project has steadied its operation and is back to seeing growth in donations for its mission to help those injured while serving after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attack. It’s been a tough recovery for the Jacksonville-based nonprofit. After falling from a peak of $373 million in donations for the 2015 fiscal year to $211 million in 2017 following media reports critical of the organization’s spending, Wounded Warrior received $246 million in donations for the 2018 fiscal year, a 16 percent increase.
» More from the Florida Times-Union.
Business Profile
Tableseide Restaurant Group
Sarasota-based Tableseide Restaurant Group is at work on several area restaurants. It’s all part of the evolution at Tableseide Restaurant Group, which did $11 million in revenue in 2018. Each of its restaurants now hit different parts of the market, accomplishing the goal of diversification — a necessary element to continue to be profitable and succeed in a challenging industry.
» Read more from the Business Observer.
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