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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Coronavirus raises fears of increase in insurance fraud
As if the insurance industry didn’t have enough to worry about amid the coronavirus pandemic, from how business interruption coverage lawsuits will be decided to how longer term remote working arrangements will impact insurers’ services, they also have to keep an eye out for an uptick in insurance fraud. Looking back at the 2008-2009 economic recession, the Florida Division of Insurance Fraud reported a 21% increase in referrals compared to 2007-2008. More broadly, as incomes fell, the most common types of fraud that spiked included vehicle insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, and workers’ compensation premium fraud. More from Insurance Business.
The sky’s the limit for Southwest Florida jet businesses
Like other companies in the aviation industry, Elite Jets was negatively affected by COVID-19. But things have taken an upturn for the Naples-based private charter jet company. Elite Jets isn’t the only Florida company now experiencing growth and positive change in the charter jet industry. The Hoffmann Family of Companies, the largest commercial real estate company in Naples with 33 properties worth more than $500 million and owner of 32 Florida businesses, is set to acquire Global Jetcare in September. More from Florida Weekly.
Spirit Airlines pulls back layoff plan forced by COVID-19
Spirit Airlines won’t need to cut up to 2,500 from its payroll as management has made voluntary leave and other arrangements with hundreds of employees, the company said Tuesday. Faced with a dramatic decline in passenger traffic caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Spirit earlier this month announced 2,500 furloughs and layoffs company-wide. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Madden NFL 21 debuts as Orlando’s Electronic Arts employees make the game at home during pandemic
Electronic Arts’ Madden NFL 21 was entering the final phase of development when the video game company’s employees suddenly had to work from home because of the coronavirus pandemic. The move meant that traditions like gathering over pizza to test the new game had to change, said EA’s Daryl Holt, with the company paying reimbursements for pizza at home as employees took their gaming sessions virtual. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Miami Hotels see visitor uptick as they market safety
Miami-Dade’s hotels have undeniably taken a hit, but with Covid cases plateauing for the moment they are seeing an incremental, if small, uptick in business and focusing on marketing safety measures, local experts say. “We welcome you to Miami but please, please behave in a responsible way,” said Rolando Aedo, chief operating officer of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, in describing the bureau’s message to guests. More from Miami Today.
Business Profile
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Mazzaro’s Italian Market, a popular St. Petersburg gourmet grocery store and cafe, has expanded to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, opening in the Gates 7-11 post-security departures area. According to a press release, the market will sell a selection of Mazzaro’s hot and cold sandwiches, flatbreads, locally roasted coffees as well as wine, beer and cocktails.
» More from the Business Observer.
Out of the Box
Foam sweet foam: Florida builder makes houses with plastic foam
A Wesley Chapel custom home-building company offers a Green Home model made of materials that improve its energy efficiency. While it’s not technically Styrofoam — which is a brand name — it’s a polystyrene foam just like it, six inches deep and sandwiched by steel plates painted white. The foam panels serve as both insulation and structure of the home, making it more energy efficient, according to the Wesley Chapel home-building company called KHP Homes.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
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