SHARE:
Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Orlando plucks honor from Big Apple as best city to celebrate New Year's Eve
According to a WalletHub study, released earlier this month, Orlando has supplanted the Big Apple as the nation's top New Year's Eve hotspot. The Central Florida city's new acclaim as a New Year's Eve destination follows a recent trend of the Empire State's continued loss of luster compared to the Sunshine State. More from FOX News and WalletHub.
Florida Commerce Appoints Seven to the SelectFlorida Board of Directors
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly announced the first SelectFlorida Board of Directors, appointing Greg Britton as chair and Jennifer Conoley, Beth Kigel, Nick Primrose, Michael Simas, Kelly Smallridge and Mark Wilson to the board. More from the Florida Department of Commerce.
Florida company sold products as ‘100% American.’ They were from China
A Florida company that brags on its Instagram page that it’s “America’s Most Patriotic Brand” was a great American fraud, according to an Federal Trade Commission proposed order that posted last week. Products “100% American made?” Try made in China. Owned and operated by a U.S. military veteran or veterans? Not that, either. The percentage of sales going to veterans’ charities was less than 1/20th of what the company claimed. The company is ExotoUSA, which does business as Old Southern Brass. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Initiative designed to retain and expand businesses in Okeechobee
The Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) and the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee (COC) are proud to announce the establishment of the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP), an initiatve designed to support the growth and sustainability of businesses in our rural community. BREP is a ground-breaking collaborative effort between both organizations, aimed at fostering a thriving business environment and ensuring the long-term prosperity of our community. More from South Central Florida Life.
Florida judge says Ron DeSantis spread false information on trans healthcare
A federal judge hearing a challenge to a transgender healthcare ban for minors and restrictions for adults Gov. Ron DeSantis repeatedly spread false information about doctors mutilating children's genitals even though there have been no such documented cases. The ban was sold as defending children from mutilation when it is actually about preventing trans children from getting healthcare, District Judge Robert Hinkle said to Mohammad Jazil, a lawyer for the state. More from Business Insider.
Holiday Survival Guide
Northwest Florida business experts provide tips for smoother holiday gift returns
"The best time to return is the sooner the better," Will Wirth, Better Business Bureau marketing & communications director said. "If you have the receipt, that's awesome, the original packaging, that's awesome. If you ordered online and a confirmation numbers, that's awesome. These are things you may be required to have," Wirth said. And if you don’t have that receipt, Wirth says adds, "Check with the store. They may be able to take it as a return and issue you a store credit."
» More from WEAR.
Only You Can Prevent
Dispose of Your Christmas Tree Quickly to Prevent Fires
According to the National Fire Protection Association, leaving a live tree up past December greatly increases the chances of a fire incident, as CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “While keeping the Christmas tree up to enjoy it a little bit longer can be tempting, I encourage Floridians to protect your friends, family, and your neighbors by taking down and dispose of your tree as quickly and safely as possible to prevent a fire-related tragedy.
» Read more from the Florida Department of Financial Services.
In case you missed it:
