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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Missing Canadian ‘snowbirds’ could have significant impact on Florida's winter tourism industry
An estimated 1 million Canadians spend up to six months wintering in the Sunshine State, contributing an estimated $6.5 billion to Florida’s economy. With Canada extending until Dec. 21 its ban on nonessential, cross-border traffic, which was set to expire Tuesday, and hinting no relaxation is likely until at least March, however, a significant component of Florida’s “snowbird” seasonal economy may not show up this winter. More from the Center Square.
See also:
» What will a winter with fewer Canadian snowbirds mean for Tampa Bay?
Florida remains business-as-usual while virus surge creates new wave of restrictions nationwide
With Florida on track to reach a million coronavirus cases in the coming days, it will become the third state in the U.S. to hit the grim milestone. A wave of new coronavirus restrictions is sweeping the nation as it grapples with growing infections. But Florida remains an exception, with Gov. Ron DeSantis committed to keeping the state open. More from WFLA.
Hurricane center increases odds on system east of Florida for becoming next tropical storm
The end of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season is just six days away but one more name could be added to the record-setting list as the National Hurricane Center increases the odds for the development of a system just east of Florida. A broad area of low pressure is several hundred miles south of Bermuda and is shedding off disorganized showers to the northeast of its center, the NHC said in its 7 a.m. update. More from the Orlando Sentiinel.
For braving COVID-19, Ryder gives workers holiday bonuses up to $1,000
As a reward for helping the company battle through COVID-19, Ryder System, one of South Florida oldest employers, is paying millions in holiday bonuses to 30,000 employees around the U.S. Full-time workers will receive $1,000, while part-timers will get $500, the company announced Thursday. The money will be paid on Dec. 14, just 11 days before Christmas. The gesture will cost the company $30 million. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Jaguars president: TIAA Bank Field upgrades needed before lease extension
Any potential extension of the Jaguars’ current lease with the city of Jacksonville beyond 2030 would have to clear several NFL hurdles, including a major renovation of TIAA Bank Field, before owner Shad Khan could even consider signing an agreement, team President Mark Lamping told the Times-Union. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Florida History
Before the Pilgrims, first Thanksgiving celebrated in St. Augustine
It’s that time of year when children make cardboard turkeys and draw the Mayflower, while we prepare to fill our tables with stuffing and pumpkin pie the way most of us imagine the Pilgrims did at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. But there’s just one catch. According to historians and archeologists at the Florida Museum of Natural History: The Pilgrims’ Thanksgiving wasn’t the first. The nation’s real first Thanksgiving took place more than 50 years earlier near the Matanzas River in St. Augustine.
» More from WJXT.
Business Profilie
CBD firm on high growth track surpasses $5M in sales
Proleve Distribution, a Tampa based manufacturer of all-natural CBD products, plans to hire 20 people to support a period of hyper-growth. Founded in 2017, Proleve, which produces and distributes products containing the hemp extract CBD, or Cannabidiol, will close out 2020 at $5 million in annual revenue, according to a statement. That’s up 178% from $1.8 million in 2019.
» Read more from the Business Observer.
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