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What you need to know about Florida today
Florida businesses start to hire staff in anticipation of customer increase
As business owners begin thinking about a post-pandemic future, some are starting to hire additional staff in anticipation of more business. It’s been a 6-year journey for Meike Emmrich serving at Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe in Downtown Sanford. But this last year, she said, has been unlike any other. “It was rough," she said. "It was rough for sure." And as restaurants begin to fill up again in the coming months, many who work in the industry are asking for patience. More from Spectrum News 13.
Model warns of new mosquito invasion in Florida
When a new mosquito species capable of transmitting disease arrives and shows signs it can survive across multiple urban and rural habitats it brings the potential for public health risk. Aedes scapularis is a nonnative mosquito, just discovered in November 2020. It can transmit yellow fever virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, dog heartworm, and other pathogens to humans or other animals. It has a wide range, from Texas to parts of South America and throughout much of the Caribbean. The species is also widespread in Florida’s Miami-Dade and Broward counties. More from Futurity.
For medically vulnerable Floridians, vaccine brings relief after search for access
It wasn’t until the end of February that Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded access for medically vulnerable people, making vaccines accessible through physicians, pharmacists and advance practice registered nurses. As vaccine access has expanded for medically vulnerable people, many have expressed hope and relief for a more normal life, after what they described as an often frustrating search for vaccines. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Communications firm relaunches with focus on social impact businesses, nonprofits
Elizabeth and Tracy Knight have relaunched Knight Strategic Communications, a public relations and corporate communications firm that focuses on social impact businesses, nonprofits and issues advocacy clients. Formerly known as Knight Marketing, the firm has shifted its main focus to publicity, communication strategy and reputation management, according to a press release. Led by Elizabeth Knight, Knight Strategic Communications will serve clients throughout the U.S. More from the Business Observer.
Bonita interior design business launched amid pandemic thrives during quarantine
Diane Torrisi opened an interior design studio in downtown Bonita Springs in February 2020, marking a new milestone in her life. The country's economy came to a screeching halt two months later — a nightmare scenario for an independent business owner like Torrisi. The pandemic forced many Bonita Springs businesses to close their doors, especially restaurants, but the Old 41 Road area came out intact, said Trish Leonard, president of the Bonita Springs Downtown Alliance. More from the Naples Daily News.
Sports Business
Heat soon to get logo on NBA ‘Greatest Dynasties’ Oreo cookie
Want to have your Miami Heat and eat it too? There soon will be an Oreo for that. The NBA announced on Wednesday a marketing partnership that later this month will feature the launch of limited-edition NBA Dynasty Oreo Cookies. Among the logos to be included on the chocolate wafer of the cookie is the Heat’s iconic flaming basketball.
» More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Florida Trend Business Beat
Business Beat - Week of March 12
Check out the top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
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