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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
‘It’s bad’: In Florida state budget, arts groups get short shrift
The state budget approved by the Florida Legislature last week paints a grim picture for cultural organizations. Jennifer Evins, president and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida, doesn’t mince words: “It’s bad for the arts.” Arts organizations approved for general support funding will receive less than half of their eligible allowances. A program for specific cultural projects went completely unfunded — leaving multiple organizations empty-handed. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Spring Breakers, beware: Fort Lauderdale police want you — to work
Spring Break revelers on Fort Lauderdale Beach observed a potentially nerve-wracking sight this week: Police officers patrolling the beach in an ATV, confronting throngs of bikini-clad partiers. But the officers, waving, blasting FloRida and handing out frisbees, were there to recruit them, not arrest them. Police officer shortages continue to plague agencies throughout South Florida. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Verdict handed down, sealed in trial of ex-JEA CEO Aaron Zahn
A federal jury reached a verdict late Thursday afternoon for Aaron Zahn, former CEO of JEA, on charges he conspired to enrich himself by creating an incentive plan that would have kicked in huge payouts if the city had sold JEA, but U.S. District Judge Brian Davis sealed the verdict while a separate jury continues to deliberate in the companion case of Ryan Wannemacher. More from the Florida Times-Union and the Jacksonville Daily Record.
GRU shakeup: All members of governor-appointed GRU Authority board to resign
All four members of the Gov. Ron DeSantis-appointed Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority board have submitted resignation letters over a lawsuit filed by a local citizen group, Gainesville Residents United. The lawsuit questions the eligibility of the authority members based on their residency statuses. More from the Gainesville Sun.
British retailer wins repeat business with customer-first strategy
Brick-and-mortar stores face competition from Amazon and other e-retailers, but English businesswoman Carole Lannon found a niche the internet can't quite match. An accountant born in London and now an American, she has found her second act: selling British meats, candies, potato chips ("crisps") and wares at a pair of stores dubbed London Pride in Largo and Tampa. More from the Business Observer.
Business Beat - Week of March 15th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida History
How did Publix supermarket gets its name? It’s a Florida story made for the movies
The popcorn, soda and candy aisles at Publix go right back to the supermarket’s roots. That’s because the Florida supermarket’s roots stretch back to a movie theater company called Publix Theatres Corporation. Grocer George Jenkins liked the name of the once-popular chain so much, he took it.
» Read more from the Miami Herald.
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