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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Hurricane season forecast worsens, active season still likely
A hurricane season that began with a flurry of storms will continue to be unusually active, with a greater than average chance the United States will experience a direct hit, according to a forecast issued Tuesday. Colorado State University issued a slightly more pessimistic outlook for hurricane season than its earlier forecast, upping the number of named storms from 19 to 20. A named storm is a tropical storm or hurricane. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida reports highest rate of positive cases in a day since pandemic began
Florida’s positive test rate has reached nearly 20.8% for new infections of the coronavirus reported in a single day — the state’s highest since the pandemic began. It’s a sign that the virus’ spread is continuing at a rapid pace, according to experts. An additional 7,347 infections were recorded in Florida, according to data released Tuesday — marking the second straight day that infections were under 10,000 cases during decreased testing coming off the holiday weekend. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
See also:
» Florida sees second highest jump in COVID-19 hospitalizations since beginning of pandemic
State supreme court denies Florida Forever appeal, fields request for vacation rental tax hearing
The Florida Supreme Court said it will not hear a challenge to rulings the state Legislature legally can divert Florida Forever trust fund money into the general fund. It may, however, hear a county tax collector’s argument that online vacation rental platforms should be required to collect and remit sales taxes. [Source: The Center Square]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Coronavirus lawsuits in Florida
International law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth says nearly 2,400 lawsuits related to the coronavirus were filed in federal and state courts nationwide in March, April and May. So vast is the litigation potential of COVID-19 that some in the business community are calling for legal immunity. In April, the Florida Chamber of Commerce wrote to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, asking for federal “liability shields” to protect businesses that follow government safety guidelines from negligence suits by customers and employees who get the virus. [Source: Florida Trend]
Why are mosquitoes so bad in Florida this summer and how can we stop them?
Summertime cookouts and backyard gatherings often end with itchy ankles and angry red welts thanks to mosquitoes. Does it seem buggier than normal this year? Or does it just feel that way as friends opt for outdoor socialization in the time of COVID-19? [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Legal creativity helps overcome business obstacles
Before the coronavirus, businesses faced obstacles. The pandemic made them rampant. To survive, businesses need inventive solutions, often those only an attorney can provide. Restaurant owners that are considering either retro-fitting the space for the safety of guests and staff, or opening a food truck, need to know what permits are required and how to protect against worker or patron claims. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Some Miami neighborhoods saw more retailers open than leave amid pandemic
While many retail shops in Miami-Dade and Broward sat empty during the first months of the pandemic, a few neighborhoods actually experienced a bump in leasing. Downtown Miami, Coral Gables and Medley / Hialeah defied the nationwide retail spiral, increasing total retail inventory by more than 10,000 square feet each, according to Colliers International’s second-quarter retail report.
› Jacksonville receives federal Special Security Event designation for upcoming RNC
Federal help will be coming to Jacksonville to prepare for and handle security and other issues during the late August Republican National Convention following Special Security Event designation by Homeland Security.
› Auto body shops fight to win business back as florida reopens
Like many other service providers, auto body shops and auto air-conditioning repair specialists have struggled to keep their business open and keep a steady cash flow to support them. Many shops have been forced to reduce costs through furloughs, work shift reductions, and layoffs.
› Here’s how Tech Data’s leaders made out in company’s $6 billion sale
Tech Data’s $6 billion sale to a private equity firm resulted in quite a payday for longtime shareholders, who saw the Largo technology distribution company’s stock price rise from $88 in mid-2018 to $145 last week. Among those who made out the best: Tech Data’s leadership.
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