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What you need to know about Florida today
Omicron not boosting unemployment claims in Florida
In numbers that indicate the omicron variant of the coronavirus is not causing major job losses, Florida had an estimated 4,046 initial unemployment claims during the week that ended Jan. 1, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor. That total was down from a revised count of 4,244 claims during the week that ended Dec. 25. The federal agency estimated 207,000 first-time claims were filed nationally last week, an increase of 7,000 from the week ending Dec. 25. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Business Beat - Week of January 7th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
One million at home COVID-19 tests coming to Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday the state is shipping about 1 million at-home coronavirus tests to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, with the kits set to arrive over the weekend. The plan to distribute at-home tests directly to such facilities came as the Florida Department of Health issued new COVID-19 testing guidelines amid a surge in cases caused by the highly contagious omicron variant. [Source: News Service of Florida]
State universities seek funding for aging buildings
The state university system's Board of Governors is expected to request about $800 million from the Florida Legislature in the session that starts Jan. 11 in order to address "the persistent and growing backlog of deferred maintenance" related to aging classrooms. According to the system, state university facilities take up nearly 99 million square feet of land, of which 40.8 million square feet — or 41% — comprises “education and general facilities” that include classrooms, labs, gymnasiums and offices. [Source: Ta mpa Bay Business Journal]
First cruise cancellations hit as every U.S. ship now under COVID watches
As the omicron variant of COVID-19 rages across the U.S., the spread has forced at least one cruise line to call off some sailings from Florida. Norwegian Cruise Line said Thursday it had canceled the remainder of an 11-night Panama Canal sailing of the Norwegian Pearl that departed Miami on Monday as well as a planned nine-night Caribbean sailing of the Norwegian Getaway from Miami “due to COVID related circumstances.” [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Fort Lauderdale’s iconic rain tree will be moved to make way for twin towers
The magnificent 70-foot-tall rain tree that has sparked a decade of impassioned debate will be moved to a spot closer to the New River to make way for a proposed high-rise project in downtown Fort Lauderdale. City commissioners approved the developer’s request late Wednesday night despite years of protest from those who love the tree and fear it will die if moved.
› Orlando Fringe cancels in-person Mini-Fest
Orlando Fringe’s return to downtown Orlando won’t happen after all this month. On Thursday, the organization announced its annual Winter Mini-Fest would become a digital-only event in light of the surge in COVID-19 cases. “It is with great sadness that we let you know that due to the omicron [variant of COVID-19] we are canceling the 2022 in-person Winter Mini-Fest,” executive director Alauna Friskics wrote in an email Thursday.
› A restaurant near Panama City Beach now requires a 20% service fee. Will local eateries follow suit?
For Steven Sapp, director of operations for Shades Bar & Grill, adding a service fee not only guarantees his waiters and waitresses will be appropriately compensated for their work, it also prevents the business from having to inflate prices to tackle rising labor costs.
› Unable to afford retirement, Tampa Bay seniors turn to Uber
As costs rise, some seniors have turned to gig driver apps like Uber or Lyft to afford life in Tampa Bay. Florida, home to not one but three Fountains of Youth, has long been a magnet for older adults. Tampa Bay is no exception. For decades, St. Petersburg was lampooned as “God’s Waiting Room” due to its large retiree population, and Tampa was voted among the top ten “Best Places to Retire in the U.S.” in 2022. But it’s more expensive than ever to live here in the wake of the pandemic.
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