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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Consumer confidence rebounds in Florida
After plunging in August, consumer confidence rebounded last month in Florida as attitudes improved about future economic conditions. The University of Florida’s Consumer Sentiment Index rose 3.9 points to 93.3 in September from a revised August figure that had marked the largest decline in more than four years. Four of the five components that make up the index increased in Tuesday’s report, which tracked the University of Michigan’s U.S. reading for the month. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The state is adding restrictions on prescribed burns that will limit sugarcane burning
New statewide safety rules about prescribed burns include more restrictions on burning fields of sugarcane, a common practice during the growing season. And Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, while noting sugar growers were advised through conversations with her office about the changes, said additional burn rules are in the works, including a shorter burning season and increased fines for noncompliance. [Source: Miami Herald]
Hurricanes love Florida in October. Here’s why.
While areas such as Texas and the Carolinas can start to relax a little this month, Florida is still vulnerable to hurricanes. In records dating back to 1851, 11 major hurricanes have made a Florida landfall in October. Doozies such as 2005′s Wilma, the 2016 swipe by Hurricane Matthew and the unprecedented knockout of 2018′s Category 5 Hurricane Michael are all recent examples of what October can bring. More from the Lakeland Ledger and the Orlando Sentinel.
‘We have failed as a country’: Biz leaders shed light on state of corporate diversity
The message from Johnny Taylor, president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management and a South Florida native, was stark: “We have failed as a country.” He was referring to the attempt, now spanning many decades, to make America’s companies more diverse. Taylor was speaking at the International Career and Business Alliance’s 10th anniversary conference in Hollywood last week. [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida’s financial regulator job doesn’t draw more candidates. In fact, it loses one.
An effort to lure more candidates to become Florida’s top financial regulator by holding out the possibility of a higher salary doesn’t appear to have brought in new applicants. In fact, Gov. Ron DeSantis and members of the state Cabinet, including Attorney General Ashley Moody, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, lost one candidate for the job after the governor last week suggested a boost in pay. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Sarasota firm sells manufacturing company for $925 million
Ametek Inc. signed a definitive agreement to acquire Gatan, a manufacturer of instrumentation and software used to enhance and extend the operation and performance of electron microscopes, from Sarasota-based Roper Technologies Inc. in an all-cash transaction valued at $925 million.
› Shipping container homes bring affordable option to South Florida
A company in Miami is using shipping container homes for affordability in the retail market. "Workforce and affordable housing is one of the number one issues here in South Florida," Dr. Pandwe Gibson, with EcoTech Visions, said. "We're happy to have finally found a model and the technology that can be able to meet this issue."
› Strategy forming to boost employment for Samoset residents
By tapping into property taxes set aside for economic development and working with partners that provide job training and other services, Manatee County may get an effort underway to reduce unemployment and increase household incomes in the Samoset neighborhood.
› Florida bill would require dogs to stay outside at restaurants
Most four-legged patrons of pet-friendly restaurants would have to remain outside, under a bill proposed this week by state Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando. The proposal (HB 243), filed for consideration during the 2020 legislative session, would prohibit household pets from “traveling through or remaining in indoor portions” of public food establishments “in order to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.”
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