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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
How sick is COVID-19 making Florida’s budget?
When they passed a $93.2 billion state budget in March, Florida lawmakers knew a growing global pandemic was going to blow a hole through the state’s finances. Two months into the crisis, the extent of the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 related shutdowns is still unclear. This year’s budget, which runs through June, appears secure. But already lawmakers are bracing for a dramatic reduction to next year’s state budget, which begins July 1, and are debating whether they need to reconvene in Tallahassee for an emergency session. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.
DeSantis rejects recommendation for state to test all elder care residents
Unlike other states, which have mandated diagnostic coronavirus tests of all residents and staff at homes with frail elders because of evidence that staff without symptoms are becoming lethal carriers, DeSantis has relied on a voluntary approach that allows homes to decide if they want their residents and staff tested. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Commentary: Welcome to Florida — the post-pandemic sports capital of the nation
The Sunshine State is traditionally known for its hospitality industry, but, these days, we are becoming internationally famous for our sports hospitality industry. It started a few weeks ago when Gov. Ron DeSantis, presumably taking his marching orders from President Trump, declared professional wrestling as an "essential business” in Florida and it’s been mushrooming ever since. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Floridians favor shutdown steps, wish people would wear masks, poll finds
An April survey of Floridians by the University of South Florida and Nielson found that most still see the coronavirus as a threat and wish for statewide mitigation policies, like requiring masks. Nearly 80 percent said everyone should be required to wear masks in public. About 75 percent are concerned about someone they know contracting the virus in the next three months. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Effects of COVID-19 on Florida blueberry production
Overall, the period between the Chilean season and the Florida season was characterized by low volumes and high prices. However, at this point in time the landscape is very different. Following unusually high prices in February, March and April, caused by a lack of Chilean and Mexican fruit. However, Mexico now reports consistently higher volumes than last year. [Source: Fresh Plaza]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Miami plans to reopen parks, businesses next week in coordination with Beach, Hialeah
The city of Miami is coordinating a plan with Hialeah, Miami Beach, Doral and Miami Gardens to reopen certain businesses May 20, a few days after Miami-Dade County’s target date to restart a local economy that has been shuttered through the coronavirus pandemic.
› Florida-based software firm is moving its headquarters to North Texas
Software company Optym is moving its U.S. headquarters from Florida to the Cypress Waters development northwest of Dallas. The international company, whose local clients include Southwest Airlines and Greyhound, has leased 17,327 square feet of space. The company is moving from Gainesville, Fla., to Billingsley Co.’s Cypress Waters in August.
› Jacksonville to consider $2.2 million for TIAA Bank Field improvements
The city of Jacksonville will likely spend $2.2 million this year to install new LED lights at TIAA Bank Stadium that comply with new standards implemented by the NFL and make repairs to the aging facility’s drainage system, elevators and escalators. Mayor Lenny Curry has proposed paying for the upgrades with the city’s general fund, which is funded largely by local taxpayers, pays for essential services and could face significant financial pressures from the pandemic-related shutdown that has gripped the nation for nearly two months.
› Cafe Ponte, iconic Clearwater restaurant, closes for good
Cafe Ponte, the celebrated Clearwater fine dining restaurant, has closed for good. Chris Ponte, who together with his wife, Michelle, opened his flagship restaurant in 2002, said the closure was a combination of the economic backlash from COVID-19 and the fact that he was unable to reach a deal on a lease renegotiation with the building’s landlord.
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