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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida’s coronavirus economy: Down so long that things are looking up
By many measures, Florida’s economy has turned around some since the the pandemic’s deepest hits in the early spring. The unemployment rate is less than half of what it was in March, state sales tax collections have picked up and Florida home sales are stronger than they were this time last year. But the rate and scope of further economic progress, experts say, will depend on the success of vaccine distribution and whether recently approved federal financial relief is enough to stave off another downturn. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Could pandemic bring biotech businesses to Jupiter?
Everyone's interested in science these days, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Talk that once might have centered around restaurants or travel now often drifts to vaccine development or immune antibodies. But biotechnology isn't a new topic for state business and government leaders, who for nearly two decades have sought to grow a hub of research and development in Palm Beach County. More from the Palm Beach Post.
Miami International Airport may forgive tenants $107 million
Non-airline businesses struggling to make ends meet at Miami International Airport (MIA) got another lifeline this month, when Miami-Dade commissioners again extended a relief program they created eight months ago. If every company cleared for aid through the program takes advantage of it through the new April 30, 2021, deadline, MIA over 13 months will have forgiven more than $107 million in previously guaranteed payments. More from Miami Today.
Builders unveil high-rise plans for Quay Sarasota on the waterfront
Two builders have announced plans for a high-rise luxury apartment complex and a luxury condominium project at Quay Sarasota. Lennar Multifamily Communities purchased 1.65 acres to build its first apartment community in the Sarasota market, according to a news release for the Quay’s developers, GreenPointe Developers, and the real estate investment firm Cross Lake Partners. The 12-story development will feature 240 luxury multifamily homes with over 13,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Brazilian Festival sues for $1 million after shutdown in Pompano for COVID-19
Pompano Beach officials had bad news for the organizer of the annual Brazilian Festival: He’d have to wait till next year to hold his event due to a surge in coronavirus cases. Now he has bad news for them. He’s suing the city for more than $1 million. Luciano Sameli filed the lawsuit last week, accusing Pompano Beach officials of breach of contract and acting in bad faith. The lawsuit was news to Pompano Beach City Attorney Mark Berman, who said Tuesday the city had not yet been served. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Breaking the glass ceiling: Dr. Toba Niazi, leading pediatric neurosurgeon, wife and mother
Only one in 20 neurosurgeons is a woman, according to Women in Neurosurgery, a medical specialty organization affiliated with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Toba N. Niazi, a pediatric neurosurgeon and Medical Director of Neuro-Oncology Surgical Services at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, stands out as one of the pioneers breaking the glass ceiling for other women in the field of neurosurgery. [Sponsored report]
Profile
Ad agency owner delivers confidence in a tough time
As president and CEO of Naples advertising agency Wilson Creative Group, Peggy Wilson has navigated the pandemic from two angles. “Not only am I challenged with running my own business during uncertain times,” she says. “But I’m also being asked by my clients how to make their business and marketing decisions in their own trying times.” She’s found that presenting clients with choices helps everyone during these moments — when there aren’t always clear answers.
» More from the Business Observer.
In Memoriam
Dwayne Hawkins, Crown Automotive founder and philanthropist
It was never the cars that fueled Dwayne Hawkins’ drive for success. In fact, his sons say their father — founder and CEO of Crown Automotive Group, one of the largest automobile dealerships in the southeast — wasn’t really much of a gearhead. He favored station wagons over muscle cars. In his 85 years, Mr. Hawkins racked up accomplishments. The self-effacing, humble, generous patriarch of the Hawkins family died of natural causes on Christmas Eve. What he leaves behind, his family said, is a legacy of love — for hard work, making the most of his time, and helping others find their road to success.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
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