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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida constitutional amendments draw big money as election nears
As Florida voters weigh a list of proposed constitutional amendments, backers and opponents have poured money in recent weeks into battles over raising Florida’s minimum wage and revamping the primary-election system. Voters are deciding whether to approve six proposed constitutional amendments, with most drawing relatively little attention in an election dominated by the race between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Related Florida Trend Exclusive Content
» Voting on Florida's upcoming six constitutional amendments
Sarasota tourism office adapts to nearly 30% budget drop
The pandemic, with all its disruption, has caused a variety of groups and businesses to work together more than ever before. Hotels, for one, have jointly lobbied for economic relief. Manufactures have created hiring and training classes, and even competing chambers of commerce and pro-business organizations are partnering on pandemic survival programs. Another melding of tasks is happening in Sarasota, where the county’s tourism marketing arm, Visit Sarasota County, is taking lead on a mission that’s long belonged to the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County: wooing businesses to relocate to the county. More from the Business Observer.
Hit hard by coronavirus, Plant City farmworkers turn to charity for help
Many people are hurting from the coronavirus pandemic, either sickened or losing income from its economic ripples, but few feel the pain as keenly as farmworkers. More than 151,000 people who work in fields and groves across the country have fallen ill with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, according to a recent study by Microsoft and Purdue University. The three hardest-hit states: Texas, with 18,530 infected farmworkers; California, with 11,880; and Florida, with 7,070. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Ford is doubling down on testing self-driving cars in Miami-Dade
After landing in Miami-Dade in 2018 with a fleet of self-driving cars, Ford announced Monday that it plans to broaden its presence there as it explores the frontiers of autonomous vehicles. The Michigan-based automaker said it now plans to establish a command center that will serve as the epicenter of its self-driving business and daily operations. Planned for a 140,000-square-foot, mixed-used space west of Miami International Airport, the center will include customer relations, public engagement, business development, research, safety evaluations and testing. More from the Miami Herald.
Tryp by Wyndham opens its first Orlando hotel on I-Drive
Even as the COVID-19 epidemic batters the hotel industry with historically low occupancy rates in Central Florida, a new hotel is being added to the I-Drive corridor. Tryp by Wyndham Orlando is set to make its public debut on Nov. 14. The new hotel at 11539 International Drive in Orlando will feature 98 rooms, including 22 family suites and specialty accommodations such as fitness rooms, which have in-room exercise bikes. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Out of the Box
Take a sledgehammer to your stress
A global pandemic, historic economic upheaval and unpredictable political tension may create business challenges, but Adam Wagner says it was a perfect environment to open his Davie rage room, the Smashit House. Since its debut in early October, the Smashit House has attracted stressed South Floridians — including a steady stream of medical workers, teachers and first responders — eager to pick up hammers and bats to assault small electronics, glass bottles and a life-size rubber figure named Bob.
» More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Event
Giant yachts and COVID safeguards: The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is about to begin
One of the biggest events since COVID-19 struck South Florida will begin Wednesday, smaller and more restrained than in past years. Unlike other big events, the 61st Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show chose not to cancel in hopes it can help reverse some of the devastating economic losses of the pandemic in South Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry.
» Read more from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
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