Photo: Scott Keeler\Tampa Bay Times
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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Gov. DeSantis says South Floridians should stay at home until mid May
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he opposes having a cruise ship headed toward Fort Lauderdale dock and unload its passengers. He also said he is ordering a unified “safer at home” policy for South Florida, outlining policies he said should be in place “until the middle of May.” DeSantis hasn’t yet specified what’s contained in the order. “The reason why this is important is we have 60% of the cases in the state of Florida are in southeast Florida,” the most densely populated part of the state. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and CBS Miami.
Florida’s online notary law is allowing more business to get done
Every year millions of documents – such as real estate transactions and citizenship forms – require a notary to witness and authenticate legal instruments. Historically, that has required in-person human interaction. But Florida is one of a handful of states that allows virtual notarization for most transactions for homeowners, title companies and real estate agents, mortgage brokers, business owners and others. More from WJCT.
Opinion: How retailers and other small businesses can survive coronavirus pandemic
Even before the global pandemic, Americans were signing up for online classes, streaming their videos, and ordering their take out food, and just about everything else online. This global pandemic is not to blame for a trend that was already in place — it has only accelerated it. And many businesses are scrambling to adapt. More from the Miami Herald.
Gulf Power to provide bill relief in May
Gulf Power will provide bill relief in May to help offset the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Lower fuel costs are enabling Gulf Power to issue a one-time decrease of approximately 40% for the typical residential customer bill in May. Gulf Power plans to deliver savings to customers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic through a one-time bill decrease, rather than the standard practice of spreading out savings over the remainder of the year. More from the Northwest Florida Daily News and WEAR.
New coffee business in Pasco doesn’t pause for coronavirus
The calendar wasn’t kind to Aroma Joe’s. The opening of the New England-based chain’s first store in the Tampa Bay area came three months later than planned. The March 16 start date was the same day some governments announced restrictions on restaurants, because of the coronavirus, capping seating capacity at 50 percent. A few days later, it was to-go only, which meant closing the cafe’s indoor seating. More from the Tampa Bay Times
Business Profile
Crystal Clean Green Cleaning
In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, Crystal Clean Green Cleaning has launched a disinfectant fog and misting service. The Sarasota-based company will make the service available starting on March 30, according to a press release. The service consists of two different disinfection application types.
» More from the Business Observer.
Out of the Box
Jacksonville distilleries, plus honey company, producing hand sanitizer
What do local gin, whiskey and honey all have in common? Besides making killer cocktails, each product’s waste is now being used by local companies to make hand sanitizer. In the last week, Manifest Distilling, Burlock and Barrel American Whiskey and Stubbees honey have all added hand sanitizer to their lineups as a way to combat concerns over the coronavirus spread.
» Read more from the Florida Times-Union.
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