Florida economists slash $5.4 billion from expected Florida revenue because of coronavirus
Florida economists slashed a stunning $5.4 billion from expected state revenue over the next two years, with tax collections cratering as the coronavirus froze tourism and forced consumers to sharply reduce spending. The plunge in dollars threatens state financing for schools, health care, roads and a host of other needs — possibly for years to come. With $3.4 billion of the reduction coming this year, it’s also heightened odds that Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers will have to dramatically retool this year’s $92.2 billion state spending plan. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Jobs are returning little by little. Here’s a look at who’s hiring ... and who’s not.
Ever so slowly, Floridians are going back to work. The number of employed rose to nearly 8.75 million in June from more than 8.3 million in May, according to the state Department of Economic Opportunity. But it’s still a far cry from the 9.9 million employed during the same period of 2019. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida lobbyists busier than ever, even amid a pandemic
Florida lobbyists pulled in an estimated quarter of a billion dollars in 2019, a record amount that marks a 22% increase over the past decade. They took in another $50 million to $80 million during the first quarter of 2020, according to public records — and insiders say the influence industry shows few signs of slowing down, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. [Source: Florida Trend]
In a switch, Democrats voting by mail more than Republicans
As primary voters move into the final day of early voting Sunday, vote-by-mail has become more popular with Democrats than in past elections. In a shift that has consequences for the debates raging over voting in November, more Democrats statewide are mailing in their ballot, an approach previously dominated by Republicans. Statewide, more Democrats have voted by mail than Republicans by 1 million ballots to about 703,000, Florida Division of Elections figures as of 4 p.m. Saturday show. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Maritime jobs vacant as companies hunt skilled workers
While unemployment is rife in many industries due to the upheavals of Covid-19, maritime jobs continue to go unfilled for lack of skilled employees. In fact, said Horacio Stuart Aguirre, chair of the Miami River Commission, the pandemic may even be contributing to demand. “In the past six weeks I have visited four boatyards,” he said, “and yacht facilities for larger boats are doing very well. The servicing of a large yacht is very technical and highly complicated, so they require skilled employees, just as Miami International Airport does. [Source: Miami Today]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Frustrations grow over long waits for canceled cruise refunds
Months after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down cruising, customers are complaining that they still haven’t received refunds for prepaid fares and fees. The Better Business Bureau gives MSC Cruises an “F” rating for the amount of unresolved and unaddressed consumer complaints, as well as the amount of time it has taken to respond to complaints.
› JAX Chamber’s Tech Coast Conference goes online
The JAX Chamber’s 7th annual Tech Coast Conference is going virtual. The event, hosted by the Information Technology Council, is scheduled Aug. 19 and 20. It will feature speakers on the future of work, how to stay secure while working remotely, and the network impact of working outside the office.
› Nikki Fried to speak at Democratic National Convention
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried will have a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention, the party announced Sunday. Fried will join 16 other Democratic rising stars to deliver a joint keynote address on Tuesday under the theme “Leadership Matters.” Together, they’ll speak about the Democratic Party’s vision for America and display the faces who are shaping the future of the party.
› Horror film production makes use of old Alachua house
Blood has been shed, grotesquely, in an old home in Alachua. But it’s just a movie. “Call Time” is a horror/thriller written by a Miami man, includes an Orlando actor and is being filmed in a house suggested by a cast member who works there. Built in 1902 and surrounded by a white picket fence, it used to be the Ivy House restaurant. Now, it is rented out for events.
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› Food delivery service seeks 200 new workers in Sarasota area
On-demand food ordering and delivery company Bite Squad is looking to hire 200 new contract drivers in the Sarasota area. The drivers, once activated as independent contractors, will be able to start immediately, according to a press release. Requirements for applicants include a valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance and a smartphone. People must be 18 years or older to be eligible.
› Big-business lobbying group paying for attack ads in Orange County commission race
A lobbying group backed by big businesses like Walt Disney World, U.S. Sugar and Florida Power & Light is paying for advertisements attacking Nicole Wilson, the environmental-law attorney who is challenging incumbent Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey. Records show that a group controlled by Associated Industries of Florida gave $25,000 last week to a political committee run by a campaign consultant working for VanderLey.
› Sonny Fox, who was ‘Sonny in the Morning’ for decades of South Florida radio fans, dies at 73
For decades, “Sonny in the Morning” wasn’t just the weather description for a typical South Florida summer day. The phrase was familiar to thousands of radio listeners since the 1970s who heard it on the former rock station WSHE 103.5 FM, contemporary pop WHYI Y-100.7 FM, oldies format Majic 102.7 FM and WKIS KISS Country 99.9 FM. In an entertainment business that is about as stable as the tropics in September, Sonny Fox was a seemingly constant presence on South Florida airwaves for a generation or two of listeners.
› It’s goodbye for Stein Mart, the Florida retailer will close every store
Liquidators for the high-end brand discount store announced last last week that all of Stein Mart’s 279 locations would close. The chain had filed for bankruptcy the day before, after several attempts to keep the struggling business alive — from securing a $10 million Paycheck Protection Payment loan to seeking out a merger with a spin-off company. Ultimately, none of it was enough.