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What you need to know about Florida today
Florida Trend Exclusive
ALICE in Florida
One in three Florida families who earn above the federal poverty line, yet do not qualify for government assistance, are struggling to make ends meet. These families are refered to as ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE families exist in large number is nearly every community — led by teachers, first-responders, civil servants, nurses and even attorneys working in Florida’s public agencies, like public defenders’ offices. More from Florida Trend.
JEA looks to redevelop its former headquarters
JEA hopes its old headquarters on Church Street can be repurposed and bring life to downtown. The goal for what’s next, real estate director Michael Corbitt said, is to redevelop the property, and that redevelopment is likely to be residential. “Based on configuration and uses we see in the market, multifamily would be a likely redevelopment type,” he said. This is rare for modern office buildings. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
African American Chamber of Commerce helps Black business owners succeed in Central Florida
The African American Chamber of Commerce in Central Florida is working to break down barriers for Black business owners by creating partnerships with local banks. Officials at the Chamber of Commerce say they want to create a road map for Black business owners to succeed and foster a sense of community by networking with large and small businesses. More from Spectrum News.
Want to stay in a hotel at the Miami airport? 360-degree views and hot tubs are coming
Your flight is delayed. You need a place to stay. Where are you going to go? Sure, there’s a bunch of hotels that ring the Miami airport. But what about at the airport? For decades, there’s been only one hotel at Miami International. That will change in the next few years. Plans are in the works for a new luxury Westin hotel to open at MIA in 2027. More from the Miami Herald.
Disney’s acclaimed ‘attainable’ housing project raises neighbors’ concerns
Disney’s highly-touted first affordable housing project has failed to win over its would-be neighbors, who worry the entertainment giant’s 1,410-unit development will worsen traffic and crowd community schools. Ahead of the initial public hearing at the county zoning board Thursday, many residents of West Orange County emailed officials in opposition to Walt Disney Imagineering’s request for a land-use change to allow apartment buildings on the 80-acre site. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Out of the Box
Tampa Bay’s Beer Can Island is for sale for $14.2 million
Their story unfolded like a National Lampoon’s movie. Four friends needed a place to park their floating bar, bought an island, ran afoul of the powers-that-be and then fought for their right to party. Now, a little more than six years after their purchase, they are selling Pine Key Tampa Bay – better known as the apostrophe-shaped Beer Can Island located between Apollo Beach and MacDill Air Force Base.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Event
Silver Spurs Rodeo marks 80 years of tradition this weekend
An Osceola County tradition celebrates 80 years this weekend, honoring the region’s agricultural history with cowboys on horseback and traditional rodeo events. The 152nd Silver Spurs Rodeo lands at Osceola Heritage Park Feb. 15-18, celebrating the continuation of an event that dates back to 1944. At the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi, visitors can witness bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping and more during four showcases of “dirt-pounding action.”
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.
In case you missed it:
Business Beat - Week of May 3rd
