Florida minimum wage workers get a boost to $10 an hour this week
Minimum wage workers in Florida will get a voter-approved pay boost this week, while about two-dozen new laws kick in, including a regulatory framework for electronic cigarettes. After just over 60 percent of voters approved a constitutional amendment in November, the state’s minimum wage will go from $8.65 an hour --- about $18,000 a year for a full-time worker --- to $10 on Thursday, with the rate for tipped workers moving up from $5.63 an hour to $6.98 an hour. Under the constitutional amendment, the rate will increase incrementally each year until reaching $15 an hour --- $11.98 for tipped workers --- on Sept. 30, 2026. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Have Black Florida marijuana farmers fallen too far behind?
It’s been a long four years for Florida’s Black farmers. In 2017, the Legislature passed a law that created the modern Florida medical marijuana industry. It set steep barriers to entry. It limited the number of licenses the state could award to companies. By no later than Oct. 3 of that year, a new marijuana license was to be given to a business owner belonging to a “Pigford Class” — one of two groups of Black farmers who had won a judgment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for that agency’s history of racial discrimination. One full presidential term later, no such cannabis license has been awarded. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
These Florida beaches got hit by two hurricanes. Now, $28M in new sand is on the way
At the very least, sandcastle aficionados soon will have plenty of new, premium building material in Panama City Beach. Work began on the third largest beach renourishment project ever in PCB earlier this month. During the next four to five months, about 12 miles of white, sandy beaches will be restored to their proper states after being heavily eroded by Hurricanes Michael and Sally. [Source: Miami Herald]
Second federal lawsuit filed to try to stop sports betting in Florida
A second federal lawsuit aimed at stopping sports betting in Florida was filed Monday in the District of Columbia, this time with the backing of two of Miami’s most outspoken critics of gambling, developer Armando Codina and auto retailer Norman Braman. The lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland alleges that the federal government “improperly allowed the State of Florida to circumvent” the state Constitution when it approved the gaming compact between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida and illegally authorized off-reservation sports betting in violation of federal law. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
State seeks input on how to manage the new Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve
Last year, Florida lawmakers created the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve, setting up more than 700 square miles along the coast of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties to be jointly managed and help the state strike a complex balance of protecting the natural resources while recognizing their economic importance. Now the Florida Department of Environmental Protection wants public input to define the community’s views. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Satellite manufacturer Terran Orbital to bring 2,100 jobs to Space Coast
Satellite manufacturing company Terran Orbital is bringing a massive plant to the Space Coast that will create 2,100 high-paying jobs. “This will be the largest satellite manufacturing facility in the entire world,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference from the Space Florida headquarters in Merritt Island on Monday. DeSantis said it will mean a $300 million boost to the Space Coast economy, with wages projected to average $84,000 a year by the fourth quarter of 2025.
› The ‘world’s most famous Cuban restaurant’ celebrates 50 years in Miami
Versailles is a place to see and be seen. At its ventanita, Miamians have been trying for 50 years to fix the world as they enjoy one of their favorite activities: sipping Cuban coffee. As they enter, the first thing that visitors do is look around the tables for friends. And the scan never fails. There’s always someone to chat with.
› Sarasota-Bradenton restaurant owners on successes, challenges of 'a summer like no other'
Typically, summer is the quietest time of the year for Sarasota-Manatee restaurateurs, as season ends, snowbirds leave town and some restaurants temporarily close for vacation. Yet nothing has exactly been typical during the pandemic, resulting in a summer that's yielded both successes and challenges for the national restaurant industry, reflected locally.
› Permits issued for almost $1 million more in project costs for JAX LNG expansion
The city issued another almost $1 million in permits Sept. 23 for the JAX LNG expansion in North Jacksonville. Those permits, totaling $955,816, bring the approved project costs to more than $9.2 million since Aug. 20. Owners of JAX LNG LLC said in May the company will triple liquefaction and double liquid storage capacity by 2022 at the liquefied natural gas facility at 9225 Dames Point Road along the St. Johns River.
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› Miami Beach-based Nymbus Inc. matches Project End Game
Miami-based Nymbus Inc. matches the city’s description of code-named Project End Game, a financial technology company that Jacksonville City Council recently approved for $1.83 million in incentives as part of a $4.53 million package that includes state money. Project End Game told the city it will bring 673 jobs to Duval County. Nymbus is seeking applications for numerous jobs in Jacksonville.
› Fried takes aim at polystyrene
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said Friday the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will start a rule-making process that takes aim at polystyrene products --- such as Styrofoam cups, plates and to-go boxes. Fried, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2022, wants to phase out the use of polystyrene products at grocery stores, convenience stores and other businesses her department regulates.
› ‘Not a small town anymore’: Homestead mayor’s race hinges on future of burgeoning city
The Homestead where Steven Losner has been mayor the last two years bears little resemblance to the Homestead where he grew up, and is a world away from the community where his family planted their flag nearly 100 years ago. The South Dade farm fields of Losner’s youth are giving way to commercial warehouses and industrial parks.
› Atrium Cafe reopens in downtown Jacksonville's Wells Fargo Center
Workers in downtown Jacksonville's Wells Fargo Center once again have a place to stop for breakfast or lunch without leaving the building. The Atrium Cafe, on the first floor of the iconic downtown office building, has reopened Monday after closing down in June for renovations. The cafe, which opened in 2002 in a spot formerly occupied by a McAllister's restaurant, is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays.