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COVID-19 surge eases in Florida, but Labor Day sparks concern
Florida appears to be emerging from its worst COVID-19 surge to date, but the upcoming Labor Day weekend is sparking concerns for health experts watching the pandemic. Although hospitalizations and new cases are declining, health experts aren’t ready to breathe a sigh of relief. Labor Day gatherings coupled with students returning to class could send Florida’s outbreak back in the wrong direction, said Dr. Mary Jo Trepka, a public health researcher at Florida International University. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentineland the Miami Herald.
COVID-wary business travelers may stay home this fall, but Orlando could fare better
Even with tourism returning with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, business travel may be heading for another dismal autumn, a new study has found. But some Central Florida travel experts say the region might not fare as badly as the rest of the country. In the survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, 67% of business travelers said they were likely to take fewer trips because of the surge in cases from the Delta variant. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Longtime Sarasota-Manatee music venue Joyland reopens at new location
A local music venue with decades of history, hosting shows by national names in country over the years at its previous Bradenton location, is ready to reopen in its new home. Owner Scott Serbin said Joyland will still feature plenty of the country music and line-dancing that patrons know it for. However, the new space will also add a kitchenand incorporate other genres like blues and rock. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Downtown Miami agency offering grants to help Flagler businesses weather construction
Miami’s Downtown Development Authority is offering grants of up to $5,000 for business owners on Flagler Street, which will be torn up in sections over the next two years for a reconstruction and beautification project. The $27 million makeover of downtown Miami’s main street began in May with the goal of replacing ailing utility lines, improving drainage and creating a curbless street designed to host more street festivals. More from the Miami Herald.
Jacksonville offering $10 million in assistance for tenants behind on rent
The city is making $10 million available to help renters and landlords after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s authority to declare a nationwide moratorium on evictions. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed Aug. 31 that eviction notices are being served to tenants who are behind on rent payments. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Business Beat - Week of September 3rd
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida Dining
Hispanic cooks find ready-made customer base in Hillsborough gas stations
It took more than a decade, but Mercedes De La Hoy finally opened her own Hispanic food restaurant, Sabor Latino — inside a Texaco gas station and convenience store in Tampa. In the five years since then, a growing number of Hispanic immigrants have followed this business model, attracted by the steady flow of potential customers it provides and the minimal capital investment it requires.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times .
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