Florida state tax revenues slow a bit in January but continue trend of beating forecast
Florida tax revenues slowed somewhat in January from the final months of 2020 but continued a trend of beating a forecast issued as the state phased out COVID-19 lockdown efforts in the summer. And while tax collections from the battered tourism industry continue to hamper monthly revenue totals, the numbers for January should further help lawmakers as they patch together a budget for next fiscal year while facing a potentially large shortfall caused by the pandemic. More from the News Service of Florida.
Florida gas prices surge to highest mark since May 2019
The average price for a gallon of gas in Florida jumped 11 cents last week. According to new numbers released by AAA, the average for a gallon of regular gas in the state is $2.72, the most expensive daily average in Florida since May 2019. AAA says there are several reasons for the increase, including lower gasoline supplies, rising fuel demand and the tightening of global crude oil supplies. More from Cliick Orlando.
Florida plant nursery businesses grow during stifling pandemic
When Yazmin Almaraz and Nadia Mourad saw COVID coming just months after they opened their own plant business, they didn’t know what would happen. Now they’re regular vendors at local markets and will open their first permanent greenhouse nursery in March. As the pandemic shut some small businesses’ doors, it kept many plant nurseries not just open, but thriving. The industry’s typical slow winter season never came and sales continued to climb. More from WUFT.
Farm Share to host food distributions in Tallahassee
Farm Share is distributing food to food-insecure Floridians in the Tallahassee area. Recipients will receive fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, distributions are drive-thru only to minimize contact and ensure the safety of all parties, and attendees must wear a mask and arrive in a vehicle with a trunk or cargo bed. More from WTXL.
More Tampa businesses could have liquor license suspended for violating mask ordinance
A handful of popular Tampa bars and clubs could see their alcohol licenses suspended Monday. The businesses are accused of violating mask and social distancing restrictions. The five businesses that will go before city council for a public hearing are The Ritz Ybor, King Corona Cigars, Prana Ybor’s Premier Nitespot, Club Skye and MacDinton’s Irish Pub. Three of the seven public hearings are continued from February. More from WFLA.
Event
Bok Tower Gardens sets outdoor concert series
Bok Tower Gardens is reviving its Concerts Under the Stars series with four Friday evening events beginning March 12. The outdoors performances will be on the Lake Wales attraction’s new Oval Lawn concert space. Attendees should bring chairs and blankets. Capacity is limited to 600 tickets.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
End of an Era
Photos of a newspaper's final press run
The Tampa Bay Times executed the final press run of the company’s 63-year-old, award-winning presses. Future printing will happen in Lakeland. See photos from the final night.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.