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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Disney says it has $40B economic impact in Florida as it battles DeSantis in court
Disney on Tuesday released a study showing its economic impact in Florida at $40.3 billion as it battles Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his appointees over their takeover of the district that governs the entertainment company’s massive resort in central Florida. Disney accounted for 263,000 jobs in Florida, more than three times the actual workforce at Walt Disney World, according to the study conducted by Oxford Economics and commissioned by Disney, covering fiscal year 2022. Besides direct employment and spending, the study attributed the company’s multibillion-dollar impact to indirect influences, such as supply chain and employees’ spending. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
AG Moody seeks oral arguments in FL Supreme Court test of abortion-rights initiative
State Attorney General Ashley Moody has joined other abortion-rights opponents in asking the Florida Supreme Court to schedule oral arguments about whether a proposed constitutional amendment enshrining that right belongs on the ballot. Moody had already filed written arguments in which she asked the court to block the “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion” from going before the voters in November 2024. More from the Florida Phoenix.
What is a good paying job in Florida? Here are jobs where workers get paid the best
How much do workers make in Florida? Depends on where you look. According to payroll company ADP, the median yearly income for wage and salary earners in Florida in October was $51,500 in Florida, a 6.4% increase over the same time last year. But that's a median average, the middle amount in the whole range of income. According to the Florida Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research Quarterly Census, the average annual wage in Florida in 2022 was $63,770. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
Onboard adventures await on cruise ships sailing from South Florida
Is it truly a vacation without slides, spas and roller coasters? Check out some of the amenities offered on ships that sail from South Florida's ports. A 9.5-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty greets passengers in the casino, while a 27.5-foot LED wall displays the New York City skyline. This ship, inspired by the Big Apple and its “spirit of discovery and cultural experience,” was designed to sail in warm climates. MSC Seashore also features a pirate-themed outdoor waterpark, whirlpools, an infinity pool and a 25,000-square-foot spa. Guests can also partake in a cupcake decorating class, where the ship’s culinary team teaches passengers of all ages how to decorate desserts. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
NO VACANCY: Local hotel owners say insurance battles keeping their doors closed
As Southwest Florida’s tourism industry looks to rebound after the destruction from Hurricane Ian, a group of local hotel owners say they need help from their insurance companies to rebuild. “People forget after about a year. And that’s what’s happening,” said Bharat Patel, Chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. More from FOX4.
History
Gulf Tile moves into Tampa cigar factory, fulfilling founder’s dream
Frank L. Garcia used to dream of owning a major cigar factory. He had some success in the cigar industry, but ultimately had more with Gulf Tile, which he grew into one of the largest tile suppliers in the area with locations in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Fort Myers. In 2003, a portion of Columbus Drive between Howard and Armenia avenues near his headquarters was posthumously named Frank L. Garcia Boulevard in his honor. Today, his son, Frank John Garcia, owns the tile business and its sister company, Gulf Cabinetry, and merged those with his father’s original dream.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Women in Leadership
In her own league
Cecile Reynaud was driving near her home in Tallahassee in late September 2022, already far down the road into a peaceful and well-earned retirement. Then her cellphone rang. The name that flashed on the screen was familiar, but the nature of the call was entirely out of the blue. It would soon take Reynaud — the legendary former women’s volleyball coach at Florida State University and one of the country’s most respected and beloved names in the sport — on an abrupt U-turn back to the game and into the fast lane of a fledgling volleyball venture.
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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