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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Federal unemployment benefits ending for jobless Floridians on Labor Day
The federal unemployment benefits that have helped millions of Floridians stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic run out Monday. The state’s jobless agency said Wednesday that two key federal programs end Sept. 6: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which paid up to $275 per week for gig workers and others who aren’t eligible for state assistance, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, which extended the number of weeks someone would be eligible to receive state benefits. More from the Miami Heraldand the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida may be emerging from its worst COVID surge
Slowly, Florida seems to be emerging from its worst COVID wave to date. In the past week, Florida hospitals have seen roughly a 10% drop in patients with COVID-19 and a 13% reduction in daily admissions. The state’s positivity rate also has dropped from the prior week, from 19.8% to 16.8%. The record daily increases in new cases have tapered off as well. But experts say it is too soon to breathe a sigh of relief. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Florida to start enforcing $5,000 fine for seeking proof of COVID vaccine
Florida businesses and governments that require proof of COVID-19 vaccination from customers or members of the public will soon face $5,000 fines, according to a new Department of Health rule. Earlier this year, the Republican-led Florida Legislature passed a bill, SB 2006, banning businesses, governments and schools from requiring “vaccine passports” — essentially proof that people seeking their services have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine. In May, DeSantis signed that bill into law. The legislation allowed the state’s Department of Health to issue fines “not to exceed $5,000 per violation.” More from the Tampa Bay Timesand the AP.
Marijuana ‘SuperStore’ revealed for Orlando; DeLand lands another weed company’s Florida HQ
The medical marijuana business is growing in Central Florida as one company plans to open a “SuperStore” in Orlando and another is planting its Florida headquarters in nearby DeLand. Planet 13, which has dispensaries in California and Las Vegas, revealed in a news release Wednesday it is purchasing for $55 million a license to operate as a medical marijuana treatment center in Florida from a subsidiary of Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Aerion Supersonic assets may be liquidated by year's end after company shut down
Aerion Supersonic — the high-profile Melbourne company that envisioned building a futuristic commercial airliner flying at Mach 4 — will have its assets liquidated after it ran out of money. Aerion shut down suddenly in May, scuttling plans to employ at least 675 workers and build a $375 million global headquarters and manufacturing campus at the north side of Melbourne Orlando International Airport. More from Florida Today.
Sports Business
‘It’s great for this city’: Why Orange Blossom Classic, Miami Gardens are ‘perfect fit.’
The Orange Blossom Classic returns to South Florida in 2021 for the first time since 1978 at Hard Rock Stadium. HBCU culture will be on full display when Florida A&M plays Jackson State.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Out of the Box
Huge tree growing in kitchen didn’t stump Gulfport buyers
“Keep Gulfport Weird” is practically a town motto, found on bumper stickers all over, so it’s fitting that a home listing there landed on the “Zillow Gone Wild” Facebook page. Look past the marble countertops and waterfront view, and there is a giant tree growing in the kitchen with its top sprouting through the roof. Now that tree has new owners, Greg and Linda Simek, who bought the 2,874 square-foot waterfront house for $899,000.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
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