March 29, 2024

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/16/2020

Florida restaurants and retailers adapt to an online, takeout world accelerated by the pandemic

Retailers and restaurants fighting to survive are moving more to online sales, delivery and takeout, trends accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic. But that hasn’t stopped thousands of businesses from shutting down for good, taking millions of jobs with them. Consumer behavior has changed in many ways during the pandemic and some of those new habits are going to persist. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida might shut down bay known nationally for its oysters

Because of a dwindling oyster population, a Florida agency is expected to shut down oyster harvesting in Apalachicola Bay through the end of 2025, dealing a blow to an area that historically produced 90% of the state's oysters and 10% of the nation's. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is scheduled to vote on the closure Wednesday during a virtual meeting. People in the area are divided between coming up with a long-term plan to save the industry, and allowing it to continue on a limited basis. More from WTSP.

Sarasota's AltMed merging with Chicago-based marijuana provider

One of Florida's leading medical cannabis providers is merging with a Chicago-based cannabis company and the combined firm is going public in Canada. AltMed, based in Sarasota, is combining with Verano Holdings LLC of Chicago. Verano, according to a news release, does business in 12 states and sells "artisanal" cannabis products under the consumer brands Encore, Edibles, Avexia and Verano. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Hialeah is giving free $250 Fresco y Más, Sedano’s gift cards to help during COVID-19

Hialeah residents struggling to buy groceries during the pandemic because they are tight on money may be eligible to receive a free $250 gift card Friday for Fresco y Más or Sedano’s Supermarket. About 5,000 families are expected to be helped by the COVID-19 relief program, Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez said at a news conference Tuesday. Applications and affidavits became available online Wednesday, both in English and Spanish, at www.hialeahfl.gov and at four locations across the city. More from the Miami Herald.

St. Pete Beach resort TradeWinds finishes $15 million in renovations

TradeWinds Island Grand and Rum Beach Resort have completed $15 million in renovations to their guest rooms, lobbies and meeting spaces. The twin hotels, which share a sprawling beachfront expanse on Gulf Boulevard, were acquired by Coral Gables-based 1754 Properties last year. New owner Joe Smith said that, despite the pandemic, he wanted to continue with planned investments in the properties. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Development
AC Hotel set to become tallest hotel in downtown Orlando

 Though it only occupies eight floors, the AC Hotel by Marriott will be the tallest hotel in downtown Orlando when it opens Jan. 12. “We’re all about the views,” said director of sales Lorin Maggio during a preview tour Tuesday of the hotel. The business class hotel sits atop the 25-story SunTrust Tower at 333 S. Garland Ave. Beginning at floor 18, the AC Hotel overlooks the Amway Center with a clear view to Camping World Stadium in the west.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel.

 

Business Profile
SA Company/Alpha Defense Gear

floridaThomas DeSernia was studying to be a dentist when he conceived a gimbal cover to keep fishing rods from ripping up boats when a fish struck. The Boca Raton native left dentistry as the product and a T-shirt he designed took off through social media thanks to the efforts of his then-girlfriend, now wife, Jordana.

» Read more from the source.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

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Facial recognition cameras in Florida city spark privacy concerns
Facial recognition cameras in Florida city spark privacy concerns

New security cameras in downtown Lakeland are raising concerns about privacy. The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority has begun installing 13 new security cameras on streets, sidewalks, and alleyways, and there are mixed feelings about them.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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