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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Deadly mosquito-borne virus that causes brain swelling detected in Florida
Florida health officials are reminding people to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases, saying the “the risk of transmission to humans has increased,” CNN reported. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County says several of its sentinel chickens, which are placed throughout the area, tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). More from WFLA, WINK News, and CNN.
Tropical trees, mid-century design: One-of-a-kind Apple store coming to South Florida
Congratulations, South Florida Apple lovers: Your loyalty is being rewarded with a one-of-a-kind store at Aventura Mall. No, we’re not talking about a fruit stand. On Aug. 10, a grand opening will be held for what will be the largest Apple store among the nine now in South Florida. Chris Brathwaite, senior director of Apple retail design, said the store’s look was executed with South Florida features in mind. More from the Miami Herald.
Demand for CBD products boosts Florida's hemp industry
Hemp has been hyped as a lifesaver for Florida farmers, touted as a versatile crop that can be used to build houses, feed livestock and create clothing. But it’s the plant’s healing qualities that have sparked a second cannabis “green rush,” as the state’s hemp program gets off the ground. More from the Pensacola News Journal.
Monorail would link Hard Rock Stadium to Broward — costing millions per mile
Broward and Miami-Dade transit planners are revving up a proposal for a monorail system that would whisk commuters between the two counties. It would be paid for in part by dipping into Broward’s transit-oriented penny sales tax collections that were green-lighted by voters last November. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Small Business Advice
5 mistakes small business should avoid
In the process of setting up a new business, you can avoid costly mistakes byt checking out the “Guide to Starting a Business in Florida”, an online portal that will guide you through the start-up process. In addition to the wealth of information provided by “the Guide,” you should try to avoid these five costly small business mistakes: Read Gray Poehler's full column here.
Retail Trends
Computers back on the list during Florida back-to-school sales tax holiday on Aug. 2-6
Expensive computers are back on the list of tax-free items Floridians can buy during the annual back-to-school sales tax holiday kicking off Friday. Aug. 2-6 consumers will pay zero state and local option taxes on clothes and shoes ($60 or less per item), school supplies ($15 or less pet item) and computers ($1,000 or less per item) purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
» More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Profile
Entrepreneur operates five storefronts in one mall
An art gallery. An art museum. A cafe. A paint bar. A gymnastics center. What do these businesses have in common? They’re all run by Paul Sykes. And they’re all at Westfield Siesta Key, an enclosed Sarasota mall owned and operated by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.
» Read more from the Business Observer.
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