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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
No COVID rules: Businesses are benefiting, but the pandemic is worsening. Who’s right?
Florida’s economy seems to be hanging on despite a troubling rise in COVID-19 cases and a growing debate about whether more precautions are necessary. Gov. Ron DeSantis has insisted that he has no intention of curtailing businesses or restraining consumers, no matter how serious the pandemic gets. His position has been widely criticized for putting the public’s health at risk in favor of preserving the business climate. Health fears aside, DeSantis’ approach may be working on an economic level. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
See also:
» As COVID surge increases, companies continue with protocols — and hope for the best
Lure of fishing in the pandemic has retailers working overtime
As has been widely reported, the pandemic has been a boon for sales of recreational vehicles and boats as people look to travel and reconnect with the outdoors while avoiding airplanes and hotels. But what are consumers doing with those big-ticket purchases? In the case of boats, they’re going fishing — in droves. New data released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows sales of fishing licenses have skyrocketed up and down the Gulf Coast. More from the Business Observer.
Orange County slashes convention center rent to draw shows
Orange County’s mammoth convention center is, by the muted expectations of the pandemic, having a busy month: The American Kennel Club just wrapped up its national championships and now a national body-building competition, poached from Las Vegas, is happening this weekend. One reason for the business? Orange County is often giving the building away for free. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Boeing to add 400 jobs at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville
Boeing will add about 400 more jobs at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville by moving into a new hangar that will be built by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, marking a major expansion for Boeing's presence at the airfield on the city's Westside, officials said Thursday. Boeing, which currently employs about 350 people at Cecil Airport, entered into a 25-year building and land lease agreement with the aviation authority, which owns Cecil Airport. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Disneyland is still closed, so Californians travel to Florida with mouse plans
Californians shut out of Disneyland since March are going east to get their Disney fixes. Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, west coasters are found in Central Florida’s theme parks, hotels, restaurants and rideshares. Brian and Kelsy Kinoshita drove from Fullerton, California, with their 18-month-old son and her grandparents to Orlando to go to Walt Disney World in November. Their usual trip to Disneyland is about 5 miles. Their journey to Florida was more than 2,400 miles, one way. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Event
Tampa’s Gasparilla Festival of the Arts goes virtual
A late winter tradition in Tampa Bay, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts will return March 6-7 this year. But this time, it will be virtual, happening on an interactive online platform called Eventeny. John Scheffel, president of the festival’s board of directors, said there were plans to go ahead with an in-person festival but realizing it would be the only Gasparilla event still taking place that way made them rethink it.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Dining
Three Orlando cottage bakeries thrive in the face of pandemic
2020 has been devastating for many people in hospitality, but for some - including those left jobless due to COVID-19 - the pandemic has help kick start new business ventures and allowed them to thrive. Read profiles of Nomad Bakehouse, Whisk + Sugar, and Olivia’s Kitchen.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.
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