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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Older Floridians are going back to work as life gets less affordable
Seniors work because they have to afford medical bills, mortgages, food and the occasional pleasure. Because their fixed incomes and drained savings accounts are no longer enough to keep them afloat as the cost of groceries, homeowners association fees and insurance rates soar. Because they’re one crisis from financial disaster and fear they won’t be able to afford assisted living if their health suddenly declines. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Peak blueberry season
From Alachua County to Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s blueberry season is underway. “It looks like it’s going to be a good season,” says Douglas Phillips, a blueberry extension coordinator at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. He notes the heavy green fruit he observed during the winter across trial sites he monitors. In 2022, Florida harvested 32.6 million pounds of blueberries across 6,900 acres, generating $104 million and making the state one of the top 10 producers in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More from Florida Trend.
Spirit Airlines to furlough 260 pilots as it defers deliveries of new Airbus jetliners
Discount carrier Spirit Airlines, which is struggling to return to profitability, announced Monday it is furloughing 260 pilots as it moves to defer the deliveries of new Airbus jetliners and adjust staffing amid the continuing grounding of planes for engine inspections. “Unfortunately, we had to make the difficult decision to furlough pilots given the grounded aircraft in our fleet and our deferral of future deliveries,” said CEO Ted Christie. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Disney allowed to pause its federal lawsuit against Florida governor as part of settlement deal
An appellate court on Monday granted Disney’s request for a two-month pause in a federal lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his appointees to Walt Disney World’s governing district after the two sides reached a settlement on separate litigation in state court. Disney’s request last Friday to the federal appellate court was motivated by last month’s settlement deal involving two Florida lawsuits between Disney and the DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. More from the AP.
First new hotels in years arrive near Jacksonville International Airport
Two new hotels, the first midscale branded properties in more than a decade, are open or about to be near Jacksonville International Airport. The five-story, 105-room Tru by Hilton Airport I-95 opened Feb. 29. at 1265 Airport Road. The five-story, 102-unit TownePlace Suites by Marriott is scheduled to open May 15 at 1287 Airport Road. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Building a lasting business: Success takes planning
During the pandemic, millions of Americans decided to launch small businesses. However, millions of businesses close every year. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 20% of small businesses will fail in their first year, and only 50% will survive through year five. In 2023, inflation, borrowing woes and other challenges took their toll. For those who have chosen - or are planning - to launch a full-time small business or a “side hustle” to augment their income or create the foundation for future success, don’t let bad planning challenge your chances at success. [Sponsored report]
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Infrastructure
In wake of Baltimore bridge collapse, Florida Ports Council head talks about safety
Two weeks after a container ship collided with a bridge and shut down the Port of Baltimore, effects continue to ripple through the maritime industry. The News Service interviewed Michael Rubin, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council, about port safety in the Sunshine State.
» More from the News Service of Florida.
Profile
Tampa funeral home offers grief support canine
Bella has been Employee of the Month. Possibly the best Employee of the Month that Blount & Curry Funeral Home has ever had. But she’s more than an employee at the East Tampa funeral home and cemetery. And, she’s even more than a service provided to grieving families and loved ones. Bella is a grief support animal. But, really, she’s a relief to many. A sight for sore, cried-out eyes.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
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