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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
International tourists return to Florida today, but some COVID jitters may remain
Florida's tourism economy has been slowly recovering since coronavirus lock downs ended, but has been missing a key component: foreign tourists from most of Europe, Brazil, China, India and more. On Monday, Nov. 8, travelers from 33 countries will see U.S. coronavirus travel restrictions lifted for fully vaccinated people — and the optimism and expectations in Miami’s tourism community are high. More from the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel and WFTV.
‘We don’t have the generational wealth.’ Black farmers left behind in Florida’s medical marijuana boom
The industry could grow even more lucrative in coming years if Florida joins other states in legalizing recreational marijuana. But so far a tightly regulated market has produced a system where only those with deep pockets and extensive connections can break in and benefit. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Brightline to resume operations after 17-month shutdown, ahead of expansion
Brightline, the high-speed train service popular in South Florida, is resuming operations Monday after being closed since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The private company, which began operations in 2017, will resume after a 20-month shutdown with hourly service between Miami and West Palm Beach. Company officials say all employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, following federal regulations, crew members and passengers must comply with mask mandates inside Brightline trains and stations. More from NBC Miami.
Virtual sessions will teach Tampa Bay organizations how to apply for United Way grants
The United Way Suncoast is holding virtual sessions over the next few weeks to teach nonprofits how to apply for its community investment grants. There’s a pot of $6 million available and the grants, on average, will be $30,000 to $150,000 and will be doled out for up three years each, the organization said. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
After Surfside, here’s how Boca Raton is stepping up building inspections
As part of Boca Raton’s efforts to enhance building safety, the city plans to notify condo building owners about the next steps for a new program that requires submitting safety reports. The city is fine-tuning the details of a safety inspection program — among the many initiatives pursued by South Florida communities after the beachside Champlain Towers South in Surfside collapsed on June 24, killing 98 people. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Sports Business
Former Cocoa Expo Sports Center has fresh outlook with new management, new name
The new owners of the former Cocoa Expo Sports Center are seeking to give the facility just outside the city of Cocoa a fresh start. Renovations are ongoing, and a series of baseball and softball tournaments are on the calendar. The site even has a new name — Launch Pad Sports Complex.
» More from Florida Today.
Business Profile
ArdentX
Jacksonville-based transportation and logistics company ArdentX LLC relocated its headquarters and opened a warehouse at Freebird Commerce Center in North Jacksonville on its way to 2021 sales of $130 million. “Which is way more than we expected,” Chief Operating Officer Connor Miller said during an Oct. 19 tour of the location, days after the team moved in Oct. 14.
» Read more from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
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