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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
What age group is moving to Florida? It's definitely not Gen Z
America’s middle class is much different than it was two decades ago. According to H&R Block’s third annual “Outlook on American Life” report, most of the American middle class is made up of millennials and baby boomers who aren’t prioritizing marriage and choosing to swap cold and crowded cities for warmer places, like Florida. Florida was the most-moved-to state in 2022 and recent research suggests interest in moving to Florida from other states is continuing to trend up in 2023. More from TCPalm.
Disaster loans now available for Pensacola farms and businesses affected by drought
Some farm and plant-related businesses can now qualify for disaster loans. The Small Business Administration is taking action because of the drought that began on Oct. 3. The declaration covers Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida, and Baldwin and Escambia counties in Alabama. More from WEAR.
Florida Keys tourism agency under scrutiny for possible money mismanagement
A report from Monroe County’s top auditor this week found numerous examples of financial mismanagement, possible double billing by a contractor using a nonexistent company and “potential self-dealing” by some staff of the Florida Keys agency that’s funded by tens of millions of tourism tax dollars. More from WPLG and the Miami Herald.
Jet aircraft company making major investment on Florida’s Space Coast creating hundreds of jobs
Dassault Falcon Jet, a U.S. subsidiary of France’s Dassault Aviation, is making a major investment on Florida’s Space Coast. The company has plans for a 175,000 square foot maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. More from WFTV.
North Port official hopes to boost city’s profile across Florida
A recent appointment to a statewide committee is bringing some extra attention to the city of North Port in south Sarasota County. North Port City Manager A. Jerome Fletcher II was appointed to the Florida League of Cities municipal administration committee. He’ll serve for a year developing the organization’s legislative platform on issues that affect municipal governance. More from the Business Observer.
Retail Trends
Florida has 3 of the last remaining Sears locations
In 2010, Sears had nearly 3500 stores in operation, but now only a handful are still open. Where is Sears still open? Florida has 25% of the only Sears stores that still exist with 3 locations throughout the state. In Florida, you can still find Sears locations in Miami, Palm Beach Gardens, and Orlando.
» More from the Shark.
Out of the Box
Sick pets can have owners spend the night at new Clearwater animal hospital
A national veterinary care company opened its third Tampa Bay location in Clearwater on Oct. 10, says Kevin Kelley, medical director for Veterinary Emergency Group's newest location. The animal hospital system prides itself on being the only national emergency care provider that allows pet owners to stay with their pets through all phases of care. In other words, you can sleep next to your pet as he or she is being cared for.
» Read more from the Business Observer.
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