Florida waits for word from feds before issuing unemployment checks again
The Monday after Christmas, unemployed Floridians got a glimmer of hope, after President Trump had signed into law the congressional relief package that would extend their jobless benefits. But that feeling soon turned to confusion when they logged onto the website the state uses to handle claims. Because Trump sat on the bill for a week, the supplemental unemployment programs Congress passed earlier in the year ran out on Dec. 26, and residents’ claims were labeled as expired or ineligible. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida's average end-of-year gas prices lowest in 5 years
Drivers in the state of Florida are experiencing the cheapest end-of-year gas prices in five years, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). On Monday, Florida averaged $2.195 per gallon of regular unleaded gas. The year before, Florida's average gas price was 26 cents higher at $2.458. The state has cheaper average gas prices than the national average. [Source: CBS Miami]
Expert warns of ‘tsunami’ of hotel foreclosures and sales in Orlando, nationwide
Two hotels in Kissimmee went up for auction this month, and an Orlando hotel is facing the block early next year, as one expert warns that a “tsunami” of sales and foreclosures could be on the horizon. “There’s a lot of pain out there,” said Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of Driftwood Hospitality Management, adding that only cash infusions from the government or lenders would stop the wave. But with news of the vaccine rollout and approval of the second stimulus package, Rodriguez and other market professionals see reasons to be optimistic, especially about Central Florida. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Raising Keys roads for sea rise could cost $1.8 billion. Residents may pay much of that bill
The latest estimate for elevating Monroe County’s roads above rising sea levels is $1.8 billion. And that only covers half of them. In the most vulnerable county in the most vulnerable state, the conversation about adapting to climate change is all about money. Specifically, where can we find it? Residents may not like the answer. [Source: Miami Herald]
With second stimulus checks coming, Florida AG warns of scams
After President Donald Trump over the weekend signed the $900 billion pandemic relief package recently passed by Congress, relief payments of at least $600 should soon be on their way to people across the country. But Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody on Monday warned that taxpayers won’t be alone in eagerly anticipating the new checks — so will scammers, who may try to trick people out of their relief aid, or exploit their eagerness to steal private information. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› The South Florida Fair is changing because of COVID. Here’s what we know so far
The hits just keep on coming. Yet another major South Florida event has been canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The popular South Florida Fair, set to run Jan. 15-31 at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, has been pretty much nixed.
› Gideon’s Bakehouse opens flagship location at Disney Springs
Steve Lewis’ cookie business started in a tiny home kitchen in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood. He’d bake the first week of the month, then spend the rest on his bicycle, delivering the now-famous half-pound goodies to customers who eventually had to pre-order three months in advance to get some. As this homegrown cottage operation opens its flagship location in Disney Springs on Dec. 24, it’s hard to imagine a more whirlwind success story.
› Many Miamians express vaccine skepticism. Here’s how business leaders hope to change their minds
Sometimes it’s not what you are told that does the convincing — but who tells it to you. Developer Armando Codina is hoping that his firm’s employees will be persuaded to get a COVID-19 vaccine once they see him take one. The longtime Coral Gables-based executive happens to be in the vulnerable population and is eager to take the inoculation for personal reasons. But he has been informed by his human resources staff that there remains strong skepticism to the shots among many of his employees.
› Fanatics distribution center in Northwest Jacksonville sold
Cushman & Wakefield announced Dec. 28 it brokered the sale of the Fanatics distribution center at 5245 Commonwealth Ave. in Northwest Jacksonville. The sale includes the 560,688-square-foot Fanatics warehouse and Conlan Tire’s 27,579-square-foot outparcel, the news release said. Cushman & Wakefield did not disclose the sale price, which was not recorded with the Duval County Clerk of Courts as of noon Dec. 28.
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› Murders soar in Miami-Dade in 2020, a year marked by the pandemic and tensions with police
Officials recorded 272 homicides through Dec. 24 across Miami-Dade County, up 31 cases from all of 2019, records show. The year isn’t even over and it’s a recent high — up from 232 in all of 2017, and 252 in 2015. Experts attribute the rise in violent crime to several factors: The pandemic has limited community policing and cut back on positive interaction between police and the public. Gun sales are through the roof. People are stuck at home and frustrated. Kids aren’t in school. The economy has tanked. And some of us just don’t like each other.
› Barnes & Noble sold few Black authors, so Cocoa couple opened Brevard's only 'urban' bookstore
Essence of Knowledge, Brevard County's only bookstore specializing in Black authors and stories, was born out of a market need, a dream and pain. It began with a trip a decade ago to Barnes & Noble, where co-owner Michelle Davis of Cocoa went searching for a book and found only two shelves dedicated to African- American literature.
› Florida’s ‘Grim Reaper’ donates costume to museum
One of the most evocative symbols of 2020 in Florida will soon find a home in a Miami museum. The Grim Reaper outfit worn around the state by Santa Rosa Beach attorney Daniel Uhlfelder in protest of Florida’s COVID-19 policies is being donated to the HistoryMiami Museum. “They reached out to me a couple of months ago and asked if I would be willing to donate it, and I said, ‘Yes, I’m honored that you would think of me,’” Uhlfelder said Monday.
› Wildlife officials: 20 Florida panthers killed this year
At least 20 Florida panthers have died in 2020, a toll that appears to be on track to finish lower than in previous years. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said that almost all of the panther deaths were caused by people. One panther was, however, killed by another panther.