SHARE:
Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
› Get ready for the new 656 area code, Tampa Bay
Ten-digit dialing begins for all local calls in the Tampa Bay area on Jan. 22 in connection with a new 656 area code, the Florida Public Service Commission announced Wednesday. The new area code will be used in the same communities as the 813 area code, which is running out of numbers.
› Southeastern Metals is on the move
Manufacturing is among the brass rings of business recruitment because of its capital investment and skilled employees. A home-grown manufacturer often means even more, especially if it stays in town and evolves. That’s what is happening with Southeastern Metals Manufacturing Co.
› Bank names first new president in nearly 20 years
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has promoted Kyle DeCicco to president — the first new banker in that role since founding president and CEO Craig Albert launched the bank in 2003. Albert will remain CEO and on the Fort Myers-based bank’s board, according to a statement. DeCicco, a Business Observer 40 under 40 winner in 2018, has been on the bank’s executive management team since January 2020.
› Gainesville's 2021 Christmas Bird Count sees new species, record highs despite rain
Dec. 19 was a cool, gray day for birding in Gainesville. What began with some sun and occasional drizzles across town turned into a downpour toward evening, soaking the persistent volunteers who remained trying to glimpse their last wings before the light failed. Some started as early as 4 a.m. to spot owls in what turned out to be a 14-hour marathon of tallying 53,961 birds across businesses, backyards and nature preserves within a 15-mile-diameter circle centered over Paynes Prairie.
In case you missed it:
