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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
› Here's Who Benefited From Pandemic Relief in South Florida
After months of litigation, the Small Business Administration released data on every small business that received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loan. The coronavirus relief program rolled out in the spring and was comprised of more than $700 billion in forgivable loans that could be used for payroll, rent and other expenses.
› A Tampa family’s food truck was stolen. The community is stepping up to help
For eight years Dora Botero and her boyfriend Mirco Falcone saved every dollar to buy a food truck and start a wood-fired pizza business. The dream they longed for came true in August 2019 when they began selling their pizzas as “Pizzeataly.” “It was a family victory. We were all happy,” said Botero, 48, who is originally from Colombia. “The food truck was the result of our work and our savings.” But on Nov. 16, the pride and happiness of the family turned into frustration and anger.
› Tourism, affordable housing remain central issues for Sarasota economy
Dr. Sean Snaith, director of UCF's Institute for Economic Forecasting, told a virtual crowd of 300 at the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County's annual economic outlook meeting what many have already seen, heard and experienced firsthand — the leisure and hospitality industry has been disproportionally affected by the pandemic.
› ‘It’s a total auction.’ The Forge is quietly selling off everything in the restaurant.
Would a blown Venetian glass chandelier from The Forge look good over your dining room table? How about a set of 6-foot-tall quilted leather chairs from the notorious Miami Beach restaurant? In that case, it is the time to redecorate. The Forge, which closed in April of 2019 with hopes of renovating and reopening, is auctioning the entirety of its restaurant, from kitchen appliances to ornate chandeliers.
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