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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Official Florida jobless claims rise by 326,000—most of any state
Florida registered the largest increase in initial unemployment claims of any state for the week ending April 25, rising by 326,251 to total of more than half a million, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday. Meanwhile, more than 3.8 million unemployment claims were filed in the U.S. last week—a decline from last week’s figure of more than 4 million but another data point showing the economic crisis sparked by the coronavirus outbreak plunges onward. More from the Miami Herald and the Orlando Sentinel.
Manufacturer to hire 150 new employees in Florida
Window and door manufacturer PGT Innovations plans to hire employees for over 150 positions throughout its manufacturing plants in North Venice, Hialeah, Miami and Tampa. The company’s open roles include manufacturing technicians, forklift drivers, semi-truck drivers, loading technicians for its warehouse and dock operations, and roles within the accounting and credit departments, according to a press release. More from the Business Observer.
Bids sought to raise Tamiami Trail, restore Everglades
A long-sought project to raise the Tamiami Trail as it crosses the Everglades between Miami-Dade and Florida’s West Coast moved ahead last week as Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the upcoming advertisement for a contract to handle the project’s next phase. The work was to be advertised this week as a low-bid, design-build project allowing qualified contractors to bid on raising 6.5 miles of roadway on the Tamiami Trail, which is US 41. More from Miami Today.
Nonprofits seek ‘Paycheck Protection’ loans, but worry about equity
As Florida nonprofits wait for COVID-19 relief in the second round of the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program, many are hoping the process will work better this time. The loan program’s first round was hampered by a pool of money that quickly ran dry and rules that didn’t seem to align with how nonprofits operate, leaders of the groups said. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Winter Park sued by developer after repealing controversial Orange Avenue Overlay District
Real estate firm Demetree Global has filed a lawsuit against the city of Winter Park for scrapping a zoning ordinance plan last month aimed at redeveloping 75 acres of land through the Orange Avenue corridor. The plan, known as the Orange Avenue Overlay District, was approved March 9 and repealed three weeks later at a special meeting after two new commissioners took office. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Sports Business
NBA reportedly eyes Disney World as option to host games
Could the NBA resume play in Orlando? The NBA is looking at using the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World as a possible venue to complete the season if conditions permit during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic. The league suspended its season March 11.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Business Profile
Dr. Kool Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Dr. Kool Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, serving customers in Southwest Florida, is running a gift card donation program for doctors, nurses and other health workers treating coronavirus patients. For every service call Dr. Kool makes in April, the company donates a Kool Kard restaurant gift card to a doctor, nurse or hospital employee, according to a statement. It had donated more than $2,000 in cards through the middle of the month, the release adds, to FK Your Diet Restaurant in Lee County and Joey D’s Italian Restaurant in Collier County.
» Read more from the Business Observer.
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