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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida among several states confronting medical debt that's bankrupting millions
Lawmakers in at least a dozen states, including Florida, and the U.S. Congress have pushed legislation to curtail the financial burden that’s pushed many into untenable situations: forgoing needed care for fear of added debt, taking a second mortgage to pay for cancer treatment or slashing grocery budgets to keep up with payments. More from the Health News Florida.
Florida's newest flood insurer won't deny coverage no matter how risky the location
Private-market flood insurance options are expanding in Florida with the addition of flood insurtech firm FloodFlash. FloodFlash was founded in the United Kingdom around five years ago, according to Mark Hara, the firm’s North America CEO and a Naples resident. The firm’s launch in Florida — and four other states — marks its first foray into the U.S. insurance market, he said. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Labor cost, immigration rules push Osceola farmers to U-Pick business model
Blueberry season runs from March to early May and in 2022 the Florida Farm Bureau expected 20 million pounds of berries to be produced. Each berry is grown, picked and packaged, a process that in Osceola County has become increasingly difficult for farmers of all crops due to housing for laborers and rising costs. Farmers have had to find creative ways to stay in business including using machines to pick blueberries or selling directly to consumers who pick the fruits themselves. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Adidas founder’s family wealth firm opens HQ in Sarasota
A high-net-worth wealth management firm that traces its lineage to Adidas founder Adi Dassler is opening its global headquarters in downtown Sarasota, with plans to expand locally in clients and employees. The company, Adi Dassler International Family Office, is currently operating in temporary space on Main Street, says Founder and Managing Partner Allen Johnson. It plans to move into larger space downtown by the summer or fall, and eventually bring on at least 10 employees, both wealth advisors and support staff. More from the Business Observer.
The show must go on: Tortuga Music Festival expected to open on schedule after historic Fort Lauderdale rain
If Fort Lauderdale residents were looking for a bright side in this historically waterlogged week, it’s that it will end with the sunny enthusiasm of Tortuga Music Festival, which is expected to go on as planned beginning Friday. Festival organizer Live Nation on Thursday confirmed that gates should open on schedule at noon Friday at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park with normal procedures in place and the performance schedule intact. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Business Beat - Week of April 14th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Industry Trends
Finance
VyStar Credit Union’s acquisition of First Coast Federal Credit Union earlier this year reflects a trend of credit unions growing through acquisitions — something previously associated with banks, says Steven Kelley, an adjunct economics professor at Jacksonville University and director of downtown development for Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority.
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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