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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
A decade of environmental traumas hurt Florida industry
One major lesson of the past decade is this: In Florida, the environment is the economy. If you mess up one, you mess up the other. Although the statewide tourism industry is in good shape, in part thanks to repeat business at the theme parks, some segments suffered devastating losses from the oil spill, hurricanes and algae blooms. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Six new cruise ships will begin sailing from Florida in 2020
A roller coaster, a renaming, Richard Branson, and Florida finally getting a Quantum-class ship mark Sunshine State cruise highlights for 2020. Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, a brand new class of ship and the largest ever built for the company, will make its debut in Port Canaveral with the first-ever roller coaster at sea. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the AP.
A bevy of new Florida laws go into effect New Year’s Day
A new year means more than just a toast at midnight. In Florida, there will be a number of new state laws that will have far-reaching effects. Take a look at the Florida laws taking effect Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020: More from Florida Politics.
Steelmaker readies itself for a big year
In March 2018, Nucor Corp., North America’s largest steelmaker, announced it would break ground in April 2019 on a $240 million micro mill on a 477-acre site off U.S. 27, south of Frostproof near the Polk-Highlands county line. So far, the steelmakers’ commitment to meeting its schedule has been as solid as its product. More from the Business Observer.
2019 was a big year for cannabis in Florida. Here’s what happened and what lies ahead
A marijuana lobbyist became the only statewide Democrat sworn into office. Smoking medical marijuana became legal in Florida. A new hemp program gave farmers statewide the optimism for a new cash crop. On the whole, 2019 proved to be a monumental year for cannabis in the state. More from the Miami Herald.
Business Profile
Pelican Wire
For Naples-based Pelican Wire, 2019 was a year focused on the future. The 50-year-old manufacturer of resistance and thermocouple wire has had a steady customer base of parts suppliers who use its products in a variety of ways, including in components for electrocardiogram equipment and wind turbine blades. But in 2019, the company actively worked to get its name and capabilities in front of potential new clients.
» More from the Business Observer.
Industry Trends
Jacksonville is ‘the’ place to have a brew(ery)
A decade ago you could count the number of breweries in Jacksonville on one hand. These days, you’d need both hands, both feet and still have to borrow a few digits from a close friend. There are at least 25 breweries in Duval County. And the numbers are still growing. Already this year we’ve had Legacy Ale Works open on St. Augustine Road near the St. Johns County line, Lemonstreet on Dennis Street and Strings Sports Brewery on Main Street in Springfield.
» Read more from the Florida Times-Union.
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