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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
New research shows how much the 2018 red tide outbreak cost Florida
Researchers with the University of Florida found during the 2018 bloom — which actually took place between October 2017 and January 2019 — roughly $184 million was lost in the tourism sector. And, because of the shrinking Airbnb market at the time, nearly 2,900 jobs were lost throughout the state. Most of the economic losses took place in Southwest Florida, according to the study. However, researchers say spillover effects caused more than 15% of the overall economic effects that happened throughout the state. More from WTSP.
Sea level rise may gentrify Florida's inland regions, according to a recent study
A recent report on climate change examines how sea level rise could cause gentrification, as wealthy residents along Florida's coast move inland. Researchers have highlighted the need for clear policies to address the looming issue. The LeRoy Collins Institute at Florida State University funded the study that looked specifically at Pinellas, Miami-Dade and Duval counties. More from WUSF.
Electronic Arts new downtown Orlando office opens at 50% capacity for its 1,000 workers
Video game company Electronic Arts welcomed staff to its new, five-story downtown Orlando studio on Monday, more than two years after employees left their Maitland office to work from home during the pandemic. The 175,940-square-foot building in the Creative Village part of downtown opened at 50% capacity for its Central Florida workforce of about 1,000, said Daryl Holt, EA Sports vice president and general manager. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
U.S. small business agency leader touts ‘equity’ in entrepreneurship at Miami Gardens stop
The head of the U.S. Small Business Administration visited a small aircraft repair business Monday in a Miami Gardens neighborhood to better understand the needs of local small business owners. Isabella Guzman, the SBA administrator, was joined by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, who represents District 24, including parts of Northwest Miami-Dade County and south Broward County. Guzman and Wilson toured Aero Marine Interior Inc., a Black-owned business in Norland specializing in the refurbishment of aircraft interiors and repairs of parts. More from the Miami Herald.
Tampa’s tech scene continues to drive investor interest
The Rise of the Rest bus tour, a nod to the notion that tech companies can and do thrive outside Silicon Valley, New York and Boston, has made some stops in Tampa. Now, based on new report from the organization and investment fund Revolution, the city’s tech scene is going to need a bigger bus. Using data from private capital research firm Pitchbook, the report shows a steady rise in both deal count and total amount of money invested in Tampa companies. More from the Business Observer.
End of an Era
‘The time has come.’ After 30 years, the last Dandy Bear in the Miami area is closing
Get ready to say goodbye to your childhood, South Florida. Dandy Bear is closing. The amusement center known for its games and indoor playground is closing its Kendall location, the last one in Miami-Dade, at the end of the month. The last day to visit Dandy Bear at the Kendale Lakes Retail Center is Sunday, March 27.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Natural Resources
Meet the cattle ranchers working to preserve Southwest Florida's wild side
Jim Strickland has made it his life's mission to champion the conservation of the Myakka River Valley and its ranchlands, waterways, and wildlife corridors. His rallying cry: The land isn't just historically significant—it's vital, both to the biodiversity of the state and as a provider of clean water to nearby communities, especially considering the population growth southwestern Florida seems to be drowning in.
» Read more from Southern Living.
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