SHARE:
Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Jobless claims plummet as travel concerns remain
Florida has posted its lowest weekly total of first-time unemployment claims since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, despite mounting issues confronting the travel industry. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 17,621 first-time jobless claims were filed in Florida during the week that ended Feb. 6, down from 69,140 the prior week. The latest figure is the lowest since March, when massive job losses began as the COVID-19 pandemic hammered the state. More from the News Service of Florida.
Publix’s COVID-19 vaccine sign-up lasted longer. Is it getting easier to book an appointment?
Many people eager for vaccine appointments say they finally have a fighting chance, now that pharmacies are receiving a large vaccine supply. The scarcity of appointments saw signs of easing Wednesday when Publix’s vaccine appointments didn’t fill up instantly this time: Wednesday’s sign-up lasted twice as long as before, taking about three hours to fill 53,000 appointments across Florida. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Icemen owners plan to buy, renovate Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex
Jacksonville Icemen parent company SZH Hockey LLC plans to buy and renovate the Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex for $18 million, team President Bob Ohrablo said Feb. 8. Plans include installing a second ice rink, a sports-themed restaurant and facilities to support youth hockey programs at the 3605 Philips Highway facility. Investors include former NFL and University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
No Broadway in Orlando until September, no ‘Hamilton’ for now
Orlando’s 2020-21 touring Broadway season is officially off the table, and the previously announced visit by hit musical “Hamilton” won’t happen any time soon. Broadway Across America, Florida Theatrical Association and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will alert subscribers via email today that the next touring Broadway show to come to Orlando will kick off the 2021-22 season in late September — after a gap of 18 months. The last Broadway tour to stop at the downtown arts center was “Mean Girls,” which closed March 1, 2020. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Miami lawyers sue stock app, hedge funds over GameStop trading
A well-known Miami law firm is getting in on the backlash against stock trading app Robinhood, filing a lawsuit that accuses it of illicitly halting trading in shares of GameStop last month. The suit, filed by personal injury attorneys The Ferraro Law Firm, P.A. along with attorneys Jeffrey Kwatinetz and Sean Burstyn, alleges Robinhood acted in bad faith, violated securities law statutes, and “manipulated” its users by preventing them from buying shares in GameStop as prices soared in a wave of speculative bidding. More from the Miami Herald.
Development
Warm Mineral Springs development plan approved
The North Port City Commission approved the development master plan for Warm Mineral Springs Tuesday, but only after City Commissioner Barbara Langdon raised several questions about the fiscal impact of what could ultimately be a $19.5 million park. Langdon equated the fiscal impact of the proposed development of the 61.4-area park, as well as restoration of the three historical buildings on the 21.6-acre springs activity center with that of the North Port Aquatic Center, which is projected to operate at anywhere from a $600,000 to $800,000 per year deficit.
» More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Out of the Box
A Tampa fitness coach has wed over 2,000 couples. She calls it the “commitment business.”
For over 25 years, Nan Klater has officiated weddings across Tampa Bay. Since 2010, many of those have been held in her South Tampa “wedding hall-gym,” where mats, fitness balls and weights are hidden behind a red divider and swapped for chairs and wedding decor. “I always say I’m in the commitment business,” she said. “I’ll commit you to your husband and wife or I’ll commit you to yourself for your fitness goals.”
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
In case you missed it:
