SHARE:
Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Sharp slowdown in migration a cause for economic concern
New data from the Census Bureau shows U.S. mobility rate has fallen to its lowest level since 1948. The sharp slowdown in migration in the U.S. is cause for concern, especially for Florida’s economy. Economic analyst Hank Fishkind says, "It’s really important because we are so dependent upon population growth that comes from migration. Ninety percent of our growth comes from people moving here, and most of the growth in our labor force." More from WMFE.
How pumpkins could be Florida's next cash crop
A University of Florida researcher is developing varieties of pumpkin that can grow year-round in the state. The pumpkins are being bred for high seed yield, superior texture and flavor, and the ability to grow in the hot and humid South Florida weather. UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences assistant professor Geoffrey Meru says farmers can use the seed-oil pumpkins his team is developing to fill the demand for locally produced oil and seeds. More from WMFE.
Florida lawmaker refiles stalled 2019 bill banning local occupational licensing
Rep. Michael Grant’s 2019 House Bill 3 sought to eliminate all local business regulations as of July 1, 2021, and then require an economic impact analysis and a supermajority approval every two years for any surviving municipal regulations to be reauthorized. The bill prohibiting local governments from imposing their own occupational and professional licensing requirements was among a raft of 50-plus preemption-related bills introduced during the 2019 legislative session. More from the Center Square.
Canada’s largest optical company enters U.S. market with Florida acquisition
New Look Vision Group Inc., Canada’s largest optical company, announced plans to acquire the assets of Miami-based Coco Lunette Holding LLC, which operates mainly under the Edward Beiner banner. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Under the direction of Edward Beiner and Guido Balocco, the Edward Beiner Co. has built a presence in key premium markets across 12 locations in Florida. See the announcement here and read more from Invision Mag.
Warren Buffett’s company outbid in effort to buy Tampa Bay area firm
Private equity firm Apollo Global Management increased the offer price for IT product distribution giant Tech Data 11.5%, from $130 a share to $145—a successful effort to outbid a competing, $5 billion offer from Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. Apollo Global Management’s original $130-a-share offer for Clearwater-based Tech Data — the largest publicly traded company by revenue in the region and second largest overall behind Publix — was announced Nov. 13. More from the Business Observer.
| Trend Mention |
|
Media Trends
Public broadcasting shakeup: Miami-Dade schools considers new nonprofit to run WLRN
The Miami-Dade County school district is considering awarding the management of WLRN, home to South Florida’s sole public radio news station, to South Florida PBS. The move would consolidate all of the region’s public broadcasting under one entity.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Arts Business
The world-famous Wynwood Walls are turning 10
The Wynwood Walls museum is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The open-air gallery helped fueled the redevelopment of the neighborhood. The former warehouse district is transforming into a residential and office hub. For the 10th anniversary, the Walls — which rotates roughly a dozen of its 40 murals once a year — will feature new works by established and up-and-coming artists.
»» More from the Miami Herald.
In case you missed it:
