March 19, 2024

Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 11/30/2020

2020’s ‘insane’ hurricane season is officially over. Is it a sign of things to come?

It was clear way back in mid-September, when the National Hurricane Center had already exhausted its regular list of names and turned to the Greek alphabet, that 2020 would be a hurricane season for the record books. It definitely was that. The season, which formally ends every Nov. 30, produced a stunning 30 named storms — breaking the 2005 record of 28. More from the Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

See also:
» Hurricane season is over. Here's a look back at the record-breaking year

Thanksgiving gas prices in Florida were lowest in 12 years

Floridians who took a holiday road trip last week found the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices in 12 years. Florida gas prices averaged $2.03 per gallon on Thanksgiving Day. That was 40 cents less than the year before and the lowest since 2008, when pump prices averaged $1.91 per gallon. More from the Osceola News-Gazette.

Bankrupt car rental firm sells off unit for $875M

Hertz Global Holdings, working its way through bankruptcy, has reached an agreement to sell its fleet management entity, Donlen Corp., to financial services giant Athene Holding Ltd. The deal, for about $875 million, including an anticipated cash payment of $825 million, requires approval from the bankruptcy court, according to a statement. More from the Business Observer.

Magic co-founder Jimmy Hewitt remembered for vision to bring NBA to Orlando

Longtime Orlando Magic broadcaster David Steele said Jimmy Hewitt was the right guy at the right time for the city’s NBA future. Hewitt’s successful pursuit of an NBA franchise paved the way for professional sports in Orlando and established a legacy that will continue long after he’s gone, Steele said. Hewitt, who teamed with Pat Williams to start the Magic franchise, died early Sunday at the age of 79. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Amazon.com facilities at Cecil, St. Johns take steps

Two of Amazon.com’s 10 identified Jacksonville facilities are making more moves toward development. At AllianceFlorida at Cecil Commerce Center, the St. Johns River Water Management District is reviewing plans for Parcel F. Amazon.com Inc., code-named JAX9, is the tenant for the proposed 278,237-square-foot building on the 37.53-acre parcel at 13450 Waterworks St. Prosser Inc. is the civil engineer. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.

Business Profile
Wynwood is getting an eco-friendly hotel at the site of the Art by God store

 Art by God, the museum store specializing in furnishings and jewelry made from natural artifacts, has closed on the sale of its Wynwood location. Fittingly, the site is set to become an earth-friendly hotel. The 13,622-square-foot property, located at 60 NE 27th St., sold for $15.1 million, or $1,108 per square foot. The buyer is the Miami-based Lucky Shepherd, a multi-company firm founded in 2016 that specializes in holistic wellness in technology, real estate and design.

» More from the Miami Herald.

 

Out of the Box
Orlando company rolls out virtual visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus

floridaIt had to happen: An Orlando marketing firm has introduced virtual one-on-one visits with Santa during this socially distanced holiday season, giving kids a chance to share their wishes with the jolly old elf via cell phone, tablet or computer. Chit-Chat With Santa costs $28 to $35 for a video call lasting up to 10 minutes, with options for Mrs. Claus or a personalized video message.

» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

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