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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida unemployment claims at pre-pandemic levels
First-time unemployment claims in Florida rolled in last month at a pace similar to the period before the coronavirus pandemic pounded the economy. The U.S. Department of Labor estimated 3,982 unemployment claims were filed in Florida during the holiday-shortened week that ended Dec. 25. If unchanged, the estimate would be the fewest number of claims for a single week since another holiday-shortened week in late December 2019 and would put the average of new claims over the past four weeks at 5,347. More from the News Service of Florida.
As crypto takes Miami by storm, what’s in it for the rest of South Florida?
For South Florida cryptocurrency fans, 2021 was an exhilarating year, as Miami positioned itself as a would-be capital for the industry nationwide. The city hosted what was billed as the largest crypto conference ever, opened the door for its own coin, bearing the city’s name no less, and welcomed an array of companies that moved their headquarters or set up outlier offices in Miami’s Brickell Avenue financial district. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Osceola County is near 'NeoCity' deal with South Korean semiconductor firm
Osceola County is near a deal with DSUS, the American subsidiary of the South Korean semiconductor firm DS Semicon, over the purchase and development of 25 acres of lakefront property within NeoCity. Under an agreement approved in September, DSUS will purchase the land for $14.1 million and transform it into a 3.1 million-sq.-ft., development with condos, retail, a 200-room hotel and conference center, restaurants, an urban farm and more. More from Florida Trend.
Hertz enters new year with momentum
What a difference a year makes. When 2020 started, The Hertz Corp. was amid its bankruptcy case and facing the uncertainty that comes with it. Today, the company — with a new interim CEO, new fleet financing and some ambitious programs in place — seems like it’s solid and has weathered the worst of the storm. Financially it’s in strong shape. In October, it reported $2.2 billion in revenue for the third quarter, up 19% over the second quarter. More from the Business Observer.
Tarpon Springs businesses prep for Epiphany crowds
Businesses in Tarpon Springs are prepping for a busy week ahead. People from around the world are expected to be in the area for the 116th annual Epiphany celebration on January 6. Last year, spectators were limited due to COVID-19. But this year crowds will be able to gather to watch the historic cross dive. More from Bay News 9.
Entertaiment
SeaWorld: Ice Breaker debuts Feb. 18
SeaWorld Orlando says its Ice Breaker roller coaster will open to the public on Feb. 18. The thrill ride, located near the theme park’s Wild Arctic attraction and between Shamu Stadium and Bayside Stadium, has been on hold for months as the pandemic continued to affect the tourism business. Previously, SeaWorld had said Ice Breaker would debut sometime in February.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel .
Business Profile
Changing the way people see people with disabilities, Bitty & Beau's Coffee coming to Jacksonville
Jacksonville soon will be the home of a new coffee shop that is more than just about serving a satisfying cup of coffee and a freshly baked muffin. Bitty and Beau's Coffee, founded in 2016 in Wilmington, N.C., is a coffeehouse dedicated to employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
» Read more from the Florida Times-Union.
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