March 19, 2024

Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 7/12/2019

The economy is doing well. Why do so many Floridians feel left out?

The economy is in fine shape, at least according to many of the most common indicators. The unemployment rate hit a 50-year low. Inflation remains in check. Wages are up, as is the stock market. And this month we set a record for the longest economic expansion in U.S. history. So why do surveys show that many Americans, including Floridians, feel left out? More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Via Airlines of Maitland sold to Atlanta charter flight service

The financially troubled Via Airlines of Maitland has been acquired by Ashley Air of Atlanta, a charter service catering to leisure, business and luxury travelers. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed Thursday as part of a nondisclosure agreement. Ashley Air’s chief executive officer, Johns Ashley Jr., will serve in that same role with Via. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Work 9 months, get paid for 12 at Florida Blue

Florida Blue is having an open house Saturday for job seekers interested in full-time customer service work with paid summers off and said it is hiring 255 people in Jacksonville. The member care specialists — customer service reps — will have “teacher schedules” working nine months with three months off paid, including health insurance benefits. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Coalition boosts coffers of fund for advanced manufacturers

There’s more to commerce in Florida than tourism, and an investment partnership among three of the state’s leading universities aims to reward the up-and-coming companies that key the Sunshine State’s future economic diversity. FloridaMakes, an industry-led coalition, recently boosted the amount of grant money available to advanced manufacturing firms by $500,000. More from the Business Observer.

'Super termites' causing big damage in Central Florida

They're small, they come in big numbers, and they're quietly doing serious damage in the walls of a lot of Central Florida homes: termites. However the ones we're supposed to have in Florida can't even compete with the damage coming from these bad bugs. The Formosan Termites; what some are dubbing the ‘super termites,' and for good reason. More from the WOFL.

Florida Dining
This hidden seafood spot is hard to find and local boaters like to keep it a secret

 Black Point Ocean Grill is hard to find and locals like to keep it secret. Tucked in the Black Point Park & Marina in Cutler Bay, the restaurant offers a Key West vibe with seafood — it’s named for the place boaters drop anchor for a break on the way to the Keys. Whether you arrive by car or boat, there’s always a spot at this hideaway owned by the Duffy’s Sports Grill founder, Robert Gregory.

» More from the Miami Herald.

 

Out of the Box
Orlando Batman rescues dogs, cats around the South

floridaChris Van Dorn sometimes gets funny looks while he’s pumping gas in his Batman suit. But the 27-year-old Orlando man says those encounters give him another chance to talk about his efforts to rescue unwanted dogs, cats and other animals across the South, which he has done about 40 times since he started dressing as the Caped Crusader last year. The suit, which Van Dorn says cost about $2,000, helps attract more interest in what he is doing.

» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

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Florida Trend Video Pick

Incoming income tax instructor indicated
Incoming income tax instructor indicated

Affordable housing remains an issue; Income tax guidance on its way; What's in the 2024 budget; A mysterious threat to endangered sea life; Bass Pro Shops founder's "Florida Dream"

 

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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