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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida unemployment falls to 7.4%, dropping into single digits for the first time since March
Unemployment in Florida fell to 7.4% in August, a significant drop from previous months when joblessness was still in the double digits. But the Orlando area, where mass layoffs have displaced tens of thousands of workers, remains the worst region in the state for unemployment, at 11%. It’s the first time since March, when the coronavirus outbreak was first beginning to spread throughout the United States, that Florida’s unemployment rate has dipped back to single digits. In July, it was 11.3%. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida: A haven for limited liability companies?
Florida has a reputation for being the place you retire. However, few people realize that it’s one of the best places to register a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Attorneys in the area note that several clients have approached them about incorporating their new Florida LLC. Changes to state legislation in a drive to invite new investment have seen significant returns. More from the South Florida Reporter.
Shopping centers stay strong in South Florida. One county has a 92.9% occupancy rate
Density is helping sustain occupancy rates in Miami-Dade County’s shopping centers, making it the healthiest market in South Florida. Miami-Dade has a 92.9% occupancy rate among its shopping centers, according to a third-quarter report by Boca Raton-based 11th St. Capital. Palm Beach has an 88.8% occupancy rate, and Broward has an 88.6% occupancy rate. More from the Miami Herald.
Ernest Hemingway lookalikes flock to iconic Key West, Florida, bar as it reopens
Sloppy Joe’s, the iconic Key West bar that Ernest Hemingway frequented during the 1930s, reopened Thursday after closing six months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic. By noon, the bar had already reached the 50% capacity allowed by law, including three Ernest Hemingway look-alikes. More from the AP.
Universal Orlando still claiming tax breaks meant to help struggling communities
In April, after it had been forced to shut down by the coronavirus pandemic but before it began laying off workers en masse, Universal Orlando’s hotel business claimed more than $250,000 worth of tax breaks through a state program meant to help communities struggling with chronic poverty and crime. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Dining
Pensacola approves plans to build 29,000-sq.-ft. food hall
The city of Pensacola has approved plans by two Pensacola entrepreneurs to build a 29,000-sq.-ft. indoor/outdoor food hall, event space and downtown family entertainment complex. Developers Alistair McKenzie and Jordan Yee say the project is meant to provide a launching pad for area chefs who want to start their own restaurants.
» More from Florida Trend.
Entertainment
From circus to petting zoo, Wimauma family retools to survive the coronavirus
Family-run Circo Espectacular de México opened the new attraction with zebras, camels, kangaroos, ponies, llamas and goats. Plus performing dogs and pigs. The attraction invites families to come see the animals in an open environment, feed them and enjoy some of the shows that were staged before the pandemic. Admission to the zoo is free, but donations are accepted. Soft drinks, popcorn and cotton candy are sold and horseback rides and camel rides are $5.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
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