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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida jobless claims dip, remain above average
First-time unemployment claims in Florida dipped last week but were slightly above the average for the year. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday released a report that estimated 6,249 initial claims were filed in Florida last week, down from 6,921 during the week that ended June 10. Florida has averaged 6,078 claims over the past four weeks. Since the start of the year the average is 5,794. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Business Beat - Week of June 23rd
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Tropical Storm Cindy forms as Tropical Storm Bret enters Caribbean, hurricane center says
Tropical Storm Cindy formed late Thursday in the Atlantic while Tropical Storm Bret made its way into the Caribbean overnight, according to the National Hurricane Center. The two storm formations from the warmer than usual waters of the tropical Atlantic is a first for the month of June, according to meteorologist Philip Klotzbach at Colorado State University. It’s also the first time since 1968 there have been two named systems in June at the same time, he said. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
How long can you collect unemployment in Florida and what does it pay? Everything to know
Florida has one of the lowest weekly payouts for those that use the state's unemployment benefits program. Florida ranks in the top 5 states for the lowest unemployment benefits payouts. But it also has an employment rate that is over 1% lower than the national average. Here's a guide to who qualifies for Florida's unemployment benefits, how to apply and the state of unemployment in Florida. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
State health insurance contracts spur fights
Two health insurers have launched legal fights after they lost out on contracts to provide managed care to state employees, with one insurer alleging a violation of Florida’s open-meetings law. AvMed and Aetna have filed four challenges after the Florida Department of Management Services last month announced its intent to award contracts to administer health-maintenance organization and preferred-provider organization plans for state workers, retirees and dependents. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Estate planning for preparation and peace of mind
Today’s professionals, ranging from those working their way from their first job out of college to those approaching retirement following a successful career, all share a common need: life and estate plans. Few want to ponder their own mortality. And as unlikely as it may seem, if you were to pass or suffer permanent mental incapacitation, estate planning early on not only enables your loved ones to assist you during any period of incapacity. It also lists and makes clear who will control or benefit from any assets you may hold. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Coyotes are on the prowl in downtown Orlando-area neighborhoods
Residents near downtown Orlando have noticed new neighbors prowling their streets, checking out their yards, and in some cases, leaving bloody evidence of a recent meal. Coyotes, the pointed-eared canine relative of the wolf, have been sighted with regularity in Lake Eola Heights, Colonialtown and other neighborhoods on a near-nightly basis. They trot down brick streets, hide out in city parks and sometimes eye people walking small dogs.
› Can the technology used to film ‘The Mandalorian’ revive Miami’s film industry?
Gone are the days of “Miami Vice,” “Scarface” and countless other TV shows and blockbuster movies made in Miami to take advantage of state tax incentives that dried up in 2016. Are they coming back? Two South Florida media companies are betting on a massive LED screen wall to help return Miami to its film production glory days, back when Florida was the No. 3 state in the country for film production.
› 'Secret dinners' are taking off in Jacksonville's dining scene. But what are they?
What’s on the menu? That could depend on the day. The food scene in Jacksonville has been growing stronger as the city sees more and more restaurants, chefs and entrepreneurs looking for unique dining experiences to offer. Calli Webb owns Brew Five Points, which will turn 9 in July, and has been hosting Not Bad Supper Club dinners for about four years. Webb said it was based on the Legend series in Jacksonville, which pulled together special, extravagant dinners featuring five to 10 courses by popular chefs in new locations.
› In Ybor City, 75 artists will be able to live and work at new Artspace Tampa
The Tampa Arts Alliance announced this week that after years of planning, the Artspace Tampa project now has a home in Ybor City, thanks to a donation of land by developer Darryl Shaw. The project aims to offer affordable space where artists can live and work.
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