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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida's elected officials flooded with calls from struggling constituents
Couples stranded at sea on cruise ships. A crush of people unable to navigate Florida’s unemployment benefit system. Small business owners struggling to get federal relief funding. Americans stuck in foreign countries. U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan has served in Congress for 14 years, but he’s never witnessed anything like what’s happening right now. Describing the flood of desperate phone calls coming into his office, Buchanan seems stunned by the numbers coming out of his mouth. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Former Florida Democratic star Alex Penelas makes a comeback
Once the golden boy of the Democratic Party in Florida, Alex Penelas fell out of favor and left the public eye 16 years ago. Now he’s running for his old job as mayor in the state’s biggest county. Penelas, now 58, is the son of a Cuban labor leader who was anti-communist and condemned to death by Castro. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida's 'gig’ workers can get financial help, but it isn’t easy
Relief is now available for independent contractors and “gig” workers like Uber drivers and hairdressers. But accessing the money is difficult, with Florida’s jobless claims system all but paralyzed by the sheer volume of applications. And there is no dedicated path for independent contractors to file. Banks, meanwhile, also have suddenly found themselves awash in SBA loan applications, and there is no certain date for when the money will flow to those who need it. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Gov. Ron DeSantis orders 1- to 2-month speedup of I-4 project
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday ordered an acceleration of the Interstate 4 Ultimate project through Central Florida — a move possible, he said, because the coronavirus lockdown has dramatically reduced traffic on the troubled highway. The $2.3 billion I-4 Ultimate project, already a year behind schedule and $125 million over budget, will be completed one to two months earlier at no additional cost to the state because of his order, DeSantis said. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida inmates will begin making face masks for prison workers
While the number of Florida inmates testing positive for the coronavirus continues to climb, the state’s Department of Corrections announced Saturday that all inmates and staff in its 143 facilities will soon receive the recommended cloth face coverings — some made by the inmates themselves. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Diverse Practice Group's legal guidance calms uncertain times
During stable and uncertain times alike, businesses often need professional legal guidance to navigate financial, economic, landlord-tenant, insurance, and general business issues. Tripp Scott this year assembled the Financial Distress Team. With almost 20 experienced legal professionals, we advise current and prospective clients on domestic and international legal issues arising from financial distress and uncertainty. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Mozper raises $770K to launch debit card for kids
A Miami-based financial technology startup is creating a debit card for children and managed by their parents in Latin America. To jumpstart its upcoming launch, Mozper announced that it has raised $770,000 in pre-seed funding. “We want to help parents in Latin America raise a financially savvy generation,” said Gabriel Roizner, CEO and co-founder, in the announcement. “It’s really among the most important things parents can do for their kids.”
› St. Pete business grants in response to coronavirus shutdown don’t include everyone
The program is aimed at helping independent small businesses in the restaurant, bar, retail and personal service sectors that are owned by St. Petersburg residents. Personal services, according to the program, include gyms, cleaning and pet care services, event spaces, child and elderly care businesses, tattoo and massage parlors and salons and spas.
› Isle Pompano Park to host out-placement hiring event
The city of Pompano Beach has teamed up with Isle Pompano Park to host a virtual out-placement hiring event from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, April 21. To help make this free event successful, employers are encouraged to participate.
› Virus disrupts Miami area’s international trade and supply systems
The coronavirus pandemic has shaken and rearranged trade and supply chains in Miami-Dade County, home to PortMiami and Miami International Airport, global hubs for international trade. It has also pushed the country into an economic downturn, causing a collapse in demand for many products.
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