March 29, 2024

Thursday's Afternoon Update

Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/16/2020

Florida’s jobless claims jump by 181,293; unemployment nationally could hit 20%

Florida’s weekly jobless claims spiked again by 181,293 as big companies continued to lay off large chunks of their workforces, according to figures released Thursday. But many of the newly unemployed again struggled to file with the state’s failed benefit claims system, raising the likelihood the number could have been higher. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times.

Demand for orange juice boosts Florida’s battered citrus industry

Some good news for Florida’s battered citrus industry — retail sales have spiked in recent weeks. Consumers are loading up on orange juice during the coronavirus pandemic. Year-over-year retail sales were up 10 percent during the four-week period ending March 14th — sales were up 40 percent during the last week of the period. More from WMFE.

‘Amazing potential.’ UM doctor to start stem cell trial for coronavirus patients

A team of doctors at the University of Miami won emergency federal approval to use stem cell therapy on patients suffering severe lung inflammation from COVID-19. The treatment will begin this week, starting with a dozen patients. The Food and Drug Administration granted immediate authorization for the trial earlier this week. More from the Miami Herald.

USF researchers to share key findings as 10-year anniversary of Deepwater Horizon oil spill approaches

As the 10-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill draws near on April 20, scientists from the University of South Florida are available to discuss their research on the disaster’s long-term impact on the marine ecosystem. Their most significant recent finding follows a survey of 15,000 fish in which marine scientists detected oil exposure in all of them. More from Florida Trend.

Florida shutters pet grooming businesses, but allows it in ’essential’ big box retailers’ salons

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ April 1 safer-at-home order defines “pet care” as essential and, therefore, retailers who sell pet supplies and food can remain open. Under the governor’s broad emergency order, however, pet grooming is not defined as essential unless for veterinary needs, so businesses that exclusively offer pet grooming must shut their doors. More from the Center Square.

Out of the Box
Prices fall for tandem skydiving in DeLand (when skydiving returns)

 Tired that the most death-defying activity you engage in right now is going to the grocery store? Skydive DeLand wants you to stop jumping out of your skin and start thinking about jumping out of a plane. Though the aerial attraction is closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, they are offering a discount on tandem jumps for when they reopen.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel.

 

Business Profile
Crystal Clean Green Cleaning

floridaFor most people, a gift card to Walmart doesn’t lead to entrepreneurial success. It did for Steven and Kristina Pajevic. The couple started their Sarasota-based company, Crystal Clean Green Cleaning, by using a gift card to buy a batch of cleaning supplies. That was in 2012. Since then, they’ve grown their company by differentiating themselves in several ways.

» Read more from the Business Observer.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

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Florida Trend Video Pick

Facial recognition cameras in Florida city spark privacy concerns
Facial recognition cameras in Florida city spark privacy concerns

New security cameras in downtown Lakeland are raising concerns about privacy. The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority has begun installing 13 new security cameras on streets, sidewalks, and alleyways, and there are mixed feelings about them.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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