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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Some say Florida could become a major tech and finance hub within a decade. That may be an overstatement.
Florida has attracted dozens of financial firms and high-profile investors in recent months. Advocates believe the trend is sustainable and could solidify Florida as a major player in the world of technology and finance. Others say there are some challenges ahead that hinder the Sunshine State’s growth potential. Potential challenges in the way of Florida’s rise include low wages, income inequality and a housing shortage. Migration data and GDP growth from 2020 also do not indicate a major upswing. [Source: CNBC]
New scripted series subtly markets Florida vacations
A new scripted series debuting May 10 on streaming platforms highlights prominent destinations in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, where the dramedy is set. Visit Florida developed the initial idea for the series and co-produced it with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, St. Pete/Clearwater Film Commission and Sarasota-based Odyssey — The Studio at Miles Partnership. The series offers a new frontier for destination tourism as these organizations market their communities by utilizing entertainment-first content instead of direct advertising. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
A tale of two election laws: While Georgia saw a corporate backlash, response is muted in Florida
While several voting rights groups immediately filed lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the new Florida law, there’s been no outcry to boycott Florida’s tourism industry, for instance, or stop eating Publix chicken tender subs. The muted reaction from corporations in Florida is probably because the changes in election law are viewed as less restrictive compared to Georgia, said Michael Binder, faculty director of the Public Opinion Research Laboratory at the University of North Florida. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Florida gas prices likely to increase after pipeline cyberattack
Florida gasoline prices are on the rise again but could get even higher in the coming weeks after a cyberattack on a major U.S. pipeline last week. On Friday, a cyberattack shut down the Colonial Pipeline, operated in Georgia, according to a report by AAA - the Auto Club Group. The pipeline carries gas and diesel from refineries in Texas, supplying states with fuel across the southeastern U.S. and up the eastern seaboard to the New York harbor. It is responsible for about 45% of East Coast fuel consumption, according to a report by the Associated Press. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
More cruise lines may leave Florida as debate grows about vaccines
A conflicting maze of COVID-19 rules could drive more cruises out of Florida. The head of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. expressed frustration this week with federal guidelines governing the return of cruises to U.S. ports, including a recommendation that cruise lines require most crew and passengers to be vaccinated — which Florida law now prohibits. Frank Del Rio, CEO of Miami-based Norwegian, said the cruise line would consider moving ships out of Florida if the state insists that cruise lines can’t require vaccinations for passengers sailing from local ports. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport: Where business takes off
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) is owned and operated by the City of Fort Lauderdale. The Airport is designated by the Federal Aviation Administration as a general aviation reliever airport for the local commercial service airport. Executive Airport’s early beginnings date back to 1941. Formerly known as the West Prospect Satellite Field, the 900-acre site served as a training center for World War II Navy pilots, including former President George H.W. Bush. On March 11, 1947, the federal government deeded the property to the City of Fort Lauderdale for use as a public aviation facility. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
Two South Florida resorts are among world’s best for 2021, according to Conde Nast
If you’re looking for a high-quality getaway that doesn’t require an airplane or a passport, you’re in luck. Two South Florida hotels made the cut for Condé Nast’s 25th annual Hot List, which includes 69 new spots from around the globe.
› DeSantis signs law banning local governments from regulating guns
Amid a legal battle that could be decided by the Florida Supreme Court, Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a measure that will ratchet up a ban on local gun regulations. DeSantis signed the bill (SB 1884) on Friday after the Republican-controlled Legislature passed it in party-line votes late last month. The bill, which will take effect July 1, will broaden a 2011 law that can make local governments pay as much as $100,000 in damages if they are sued for imposing gun regulations.
› Vibra Urbana Music Festival brings reggaeton party to Orlando this summer
Following its sold-out Miami debut in February 2020, the Vibra Urbana Music Festival is coming to Orlando this summer for two days of reggaeton and Latin music outdoors. Rauw Alejandro, Sech, Zion y Lennox, Mariah Angeliq and Dalex are some of the artists who will grace the stage at the Orlando Amphitheater during the festival July 31-Aug. 1. Additional lineup announcements will be shared in the coming weeks.
› Restaurateur turns to tech to make up for employee shortage
Andrew Koumi, founder of the Green Market Cafe, faces the same problem restaurant owners nationwide face: he can’t get enough employees. This means longer hours for those who are on staff, more work for him and managers, and, sometimes, he says, customers bear the brunt of the shortage. The employee count at his four locations in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties is down about 20% per restaurant. It’s so bad, in fact, people aren’t even coming for interviews — a 'ghosting' trend other restaurant owners and managers in the region are experiencing.
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