Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 10/2/2023

What you need to know about Florida's minimum wage increase

Florida’s minimum wage went up to $12 an hour on Sept. 30, thanks to a constitutional amendment approved by voters a couple of years ago. Despite that, it may not be enough to cover living expenses in the Sunshine State. Dr. Maria Ilcheva is the assistant director of the Metropolitan Center at Florida International University. She said the increase is insufficient for what households need to survive, specifically in South Florida. More from WUSF and WBBH.

Florida gas prices falling fast

The price at the pump continues to move in the right direction - down. Even though oil prices remain high, prices at the pump are falling fast. Florida's average price for gasoline dropped 10 cents last week. The state average has now declined 20 cents per gallon, through the past two weeks. More from CBS Miami and the Orlando Sentinel.

Miami visit gave a rare inside look at Cuba’s fledgling capitalists. Some key takeaways

An unprecedented visit to Miami by a large group of Cuban entrepreneurs last week is providing a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the private sector in Cuba, the struggles the fledgling company owners face, and the potential for assistance from both the U.S. government and the South Florida business community. More from the Miami Herald.

Tampa Bay business leaders complete Caribbean trade mission

More than 50 one-on-one matchmaking meetings occurred between Tampa Bay and Dominican Republic businesses throughout the trip, business officials say. It resulted in merchandise and service sales in excess of $15.79 million, which are expected to occur over the next 12 months. More from the Business Observer.

Some Jacksonville developers waiting, recalibrating amid rising costs

The city Downtown Investment Authority hopes that if Gateway Jax’s $500 million mixed-use development announced Sept. 20 breaks ground on schedule in mid-2024, it will maintain what’s been a steady flow of residential units coming online over the past five years. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.

End of an Era
After 13 years, Edible Orlando team calling it quits

Edible Orlando’s aesthetic drew readers to snatch the magazines from the stands, window sills and door-adjacent tables on which they sat, with stunning covers from local photographers

» More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Events
Here are the best Tampa Bay Halloween events, from fun to frights

Halloween has become such a huge business that the frights start as early as August at theme parks and local attractions, where fans find elaborate haunts, creative costumes and super-spooky decorations. It wasn’t long ago that the season consisted of a Charlie Brown special and maybe a costume party. But these days the season starts early with everything pumpkin spiced.