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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
‘It’s really taxing’: Florida business owners, residents struggle under record-breaking heat
A record-breaking heat wave continues to envelop Florida this week, with the heat index, or feels-like temperatures, between 105 and 110 degrees. The heat has been slowing business more than usual, scaring away tourists while locals grit their teeth and continue with their daily routines. Many say they’ve never experienced heat like this before, especially so early in the summer. And there’s little end in sight: meteorologists say the temperatures should remain throughout the next week. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
See also:
» In Florida, Hurricane Ian survivors confront a ‘second disaster’ of extreme heat
Florida gas prices see slight dip since June, sit below national average
Florida motorists are spending a penny less per gallon of fuel than they did a month ago, though that price point may not last much longer, according to AAA — The Auto Club Group. The average price of gas Sunshine State this time last month was $3.41 per gallon. That price point then was expected to surge due to another round of oil cuts by Saudi Arabia and its OPEC partners, but uncertainty about China’s post-pandemic growth had oil prices dropping. More from Florida Politics.
Southwest Florida soccer entrepreneur aims to build off successful debut season
The Sarasota Paradise wrapped up its first season with an eye toward growing its fan base in season two. Team owner Marcus Walfridson seeks to engage with Sarasota-area businesses and organizations for sponsor opportunities. Walfridson is also thinking about changes he'd like to make to the fan experience in 2024, like finding a better price point for tickets — they ranged between $16 and $24 in 2023, with VIP tickets sitting at $124 — as well as adding more to the game day experience. More from the Business Observer.
Palm Beach County cuts millage rate by nearly 5%; largest percentage cut in 15 years
There's good news for Palm Beach County property owners. County commissioners cut the millage rate by nearly 5% at a budget meeting recently, the largest cut since the great recession 15 years ago. It marks the second consecutive year that the rate was cut; last year's was a more modest 1.3%. This year's reduction should be enough to result in most taxpayers paying about the same or even slightly less than they did last year. More from the Palm Beach Post.
After years of delay, big projects roll forward: Downtown Orlando courtyard, Science Center improvements, more
After a three-year delay, Central Floridians are a step closer to a new art-filled gathering spot in downtown Orlando. The Downtown Arts District’s plan to transform the alley next to its CityArts galleries into a cozy courtyard for congregating is back in high gear now that funding recommended in 2020 has been released by Orange County. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Transportation Trends
A low-cost Canadian carrier will start flying to Tampa
A new Canadian airline will start flying to Tampa. Alberta-based Lynx Air will begin offering nonstop flights to Toronto and Montreal in November, Tampa International Airport announced Friday. Lynx Air is a new “ultra low-cost” carrier that launched last year out of Calgary in Canada’s Alberta province. Tampa is the airline’s 16th destination and fifth city in the U.S. after Orlando, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Business Profile
27-year-old Jacksonville business owner opens second Main Squeeze juice bar location
There aren’t too many 20-something business owners in Jacksonville. It’s even less likely that a 20-something owns two businesses and has his sights set on eight more. For Spencer Turner, franchise owner of Main Squeeze Juice Co., this is just another day’s work. Turner, 27, said he attributes some of his success as a boss to being younger, though.
» Read more from the Florida Times-Union.
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