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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida businesses sue Small Business Administration over delayed loans
In a federal lawsuit filed in Orlando against the U.S. Small Business Administration, a group of Florida businesses alleges that the SBA, in charge of administering the federal government’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan, is not running the program as lawmakers intended. The more than 50 businesses represented in the suit, all clients of the Melbourne Widerman Malek law firm and mostly based in Florida, are among the countless who have applied to the program that’s usually reserved to help small businesses weather hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Report details economic impact of school closures
Florida’s economy could take an estimated $859 million hit as a result of school campuses being closed for six weeks during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released Monday by the Florida Council of 100 business group. Gov. Ron DeSantis last week said all students should continue distance learning for the rest of the academic year to halt the spread of the highly contagious virus. More from WPEC.
New JEA board sends message to employees: JEA is not for sale
The newly confirmed JEA board will have plenty on its plate, but the board is making clear in a message to employees that a repeat of putting the utility up for sale won’t happen on its watch. The open letter to JEA employees is part of the packet for the new board’s first meeting on Tuesday when action items will include kicking off the search for the next CEO. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Column: Giving Challenge a way to throw nonprofits some support in trying times
There’s a very special day coming up this week — running from noon to noon April 28 to 29, and, no, it’s not a sporting event, as you should well know. But it is something that many of us are living today with our friends and families and coworkers: it’s virtual. It’s the Giving Challenge, an online event that Southwest Florida has used during the past six of these efforts since 2012 to demonstrate its enormous generosity to the tune of $40 million. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Hillsborough considers doubling impact fees on new homes
Hillsborough County is considering a plan to double the impact fees charged on new home construction. The idea, still in the discussion stages, would increase the fees for transportation, utilities and parks on a typical new single-family home from just less than $9,000 to slightly more than $18,000. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Out of the Box
Pipe-busting waste called 'fatbergs’ are growing in Tampa
Coronavirus has caused a run on toilet paper. And that’s trickled down to create a growing problem in Tampa’s sewers. Last week, contractors removed 108 cubic yards of grease and non-flushable wipes at the Sulphur Springs Pump Station. Masses of wipes, binded with grease, form huge blockages dubbed “fatbergs” and they can do real damage to sewer lines, both public and private, according to a city news release.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Profile
Chris Tomasso
Chris Tomasso, CEO and president of First Watch Restaurants, is trying to limit his perspective to 30 days at a time. He says, "Nothing is predictable, and you can’t plan for everything. I have also learned that during times of crisis, there is no such thing as over-communicating."
» Read more from the Business Observer.
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