Peak of hurricane season spinning just around the corner
Between mid-August and mid-October meteorologists prepare for a flurry of storms during the period known as the “peak of season,” with this particular season lush for an above average amount of storms, according to multiple sources. Historical data shows that Atlantic conditions yield themselves to favorable tropical development near the Cape Verde Islands not just for more frequent storms, but also more powerful storms. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida restaurants aren’t seeing drop in business despite coronavirus surge
Florida restaurant owners are reporting that the recent surge in cases and the delta variant aren’t causing a fallout in sales. “We haven’t noticed any effects from that as of yet,” said Michelle Simoneaux, who owns downtown Sanford’s Colonial Room Restaurant. “We are keeping a close eye on everything.” She said business at her restaurant has been up this summer. “We are bouncing back stronger than ever,” Simoneaux said. [Source: Orlando Sentinel ]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Publisher's column: Full speed ahead
For many of us, business activity never slowed during the pandemic. It just forced us to pivot from some of our traditional business ways. As the pandemic challenged many businesses, it also allowed us to reassess our procedures. Efficiencies and new workflow management systems were discovered, mostly out of necessity. For a glimpse at how some companies plan to conduct business post-pandemic, see our Best Companies to Work For feature. [Source: Florida Trend]
As delta variant surges, Florida gasoline prices drop again — a trend likely to continue
The wide spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus, both domestically and across the globe, could continue to drive gasoline prices down. That's according to the AAA-Auto Club South in its weekly gasoline prices briefing, released early Monday. There's already been an impact in Florida. The average price for a gallon of gas has fallen by 2 cents in the past two weeks — a trend likely to continue. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Florida's sharp teacher vacancy increase tied to pandemic, pay
Schools across Florida are facing a spike in staff shortages as K-12 students return to the classroom amid a recent surge in coronavirus infections. At the start of August, thousands of teaching positions across the state were unfilled. And local school districts were in need of bus drivers, food service staff, guidance counselors, school nurses and classroom aides. [Source: WUSF]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida fears rain, hurricanes could cause Piney Point pollution to overflow
State officials fear summer rains and hurricane season could cause the polluted reservoirs at the old Piney Point fertilizer plant property to overflow. That’s why the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is asking a Manatee County circuit judge to hold an emergency hearing and appoint an independent receiver to oversee the site, which is owned by a company called HRK Holdings.
› The Villages, Florida, was fastest-growing metro area this decade, Census Bureau says
The majority of U.S. metro areas have grown in population over the past decade, but one Florida community beat them all. The Villages, a 55-plus master-planned community about an hour northwest of Orlando, was the fastest-growing U.S. metro area between 2010 and 2020, according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
› UCF receives $500K to support NASA’s Artemis program
UCF is one of seven universities to receive a $500,000 grant to support NASA’s Artemis program. NASA’s Artemis program wants to send people back to the moon and “create a robust presence there over the next decade,” according to a university press release. UCF was eligible for NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project Space Technology Research Initiative (M-STAR) grant because it is a Hispanic Serving Institution.
› Tampa’s Weatherford Capital closes $355 million investment fund
Weatherford Capital, the Tampa private equity firm managed by former Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford and his brothers, has closed its first investment fund at $355 million, well above expectations. The firm’s Weatherford Capital Fund I, launched in April 2020, exceeded its $300 million target and $350 million hard cap. Most of the investors are high-net-worth families from around the country, Weatherford said.
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› Florida man ordered to pay $3 million over problems with service-dog company
The founder of a Virginia service-dog company could pay about $3 million in restitution and other penalties to settle a lawsuit that accused him of deceiving customers and providing them ill-trained animals. An agreement signed by a judge last week ends litigation initially filed in 2018 by state Attorney General Mark Herring against Charles D. Warren Jr. and his Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers firm, originating in Madison County.
› Hillsborough nixes job rule from Wimauma land plan
Hillsborough commissioners approved new rules for how rural Wimauma will grow in the future, but abandoned a previous job-creation requirement that triggered lawsuits from a developer. Instead of setting aside space for a specific number of jobs, the proposed rules will allow developers, seeking greater residential densities, to pick from a list of community benefits like adding a park or promoting commercial development in the existing downtown Wimauma.
› VyStar continues developments in Jacksonville's downtown with planned parking garage
A key financial business headquartered downtown will expand its footprint in the urban core by adding a large parking garage. Jacksonville's Building Department granted VyStar Credit Union a permit this month for the parking facility at 28 W. Forsyth St. The parking garage will be able to house 807 spaces in the 67-foot-high building that will be constructed of reinforced concrete. The 13,128-square-foot facility will cost $21 million to build.
› Disney: NBA Experience will not reopen
The NBA Experience at Disney Springs will not reopen, Walt Disney World has confirmed. The interactive attraction shut down with the rest of the resort as a coronavirus pandemic precaution in March 2020. It never reopened to the public. NBA Experience debuted in the West Side neighborhood of the shopping and dining complex in August 2019.