Half of Florida households struggle to make ends meet
Almost half of Florida households are gainfully employed but still struggling to make ends meet, according to a new report published by United Way that lays bare the financial burdens increasingly squeezing Floridians. Of the 8.8 million households in the state, 4 million either were in poverty or unable to afford “the basic cost of living in their county” in 2022, the focus year in the study. Many did not qualify for public assistance. More from the Tampa Bay Times and Moneywise.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida's marijuana market: Weed fair
To gauge the state of the corporate marijuana business, tour the exhibition floor at the annual Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood. “Where Deals Get Done!” read a Benzinga sign at the April event as more than 200 investors and 2,000 people tried to do just that. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida appeals court won't hear case on financial impact statement for abortion amendment
An appeals court Monday declined to take up a fight stemming from a “financial impact statement” that will appear on the November ballot with a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion rights, saying the case is moot because the statement was revised last week. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal, however, raised the possibility that Floridians Protecting Freedom, a political committee sponsoring the proposed constitutional amendment, could launch a new legal challenge to the revised statement. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida has two months to spend $18.9 million on homeless students
Three years ago, the federal government set aside $800 million for states to help homeless students. The deadline to use the money from the American Rescue Plan is Sept. 30. A little over half of the money so far has made it to school districts around the country, according to the U.S. Department of Education. [Source: WFSU]
Have shark attacks increased in Florida? Expert says no
A shark attack off Key West and one off Key Biscayne are the latest to have been reported in the state this summer. But while reports might suggest that they are on the rise, experts say that the number of incidents this year are in line with the annual average. [Source: WUSF]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› $1.1B St. Pete community bank expands into health care lending
BayFirst National Bank, headquartered in St.Pete, is increasing its service offerings by branching into health care business lending. The bank's first move in that space was to name Phil Russo senior vice president, a title he previously held at United Community Bank, Southstate Bank and First Citizens Bank.
› Jacksonville moves up on list of most popular cities to move to
A new study shows moving to Florida is still a popular choice, but the most desirable cities in the state have shifted. Jacksonville ranked as the sixth most popular big city for people to move to in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2024. Miami is no longer in the top 10 of large cities for people to move to.
› Facing shortfall, Miami-Dade hikes garbage rate 27%
Miami-Dade County commissioners voted to stop kicking the garbage can down the road, opting to raise trash collection fees more than 27%, to a level that would pay the actual cost of services. The ordinance now goes before Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who offered two options to commissioners: Shuffle the money from other funds, or raise fees a little less than 21%, or $9.50 a month, which would not cover the total cost of services.
› Lynx scores millions in federal transportation dollars. Here's what it will be used for.
Lynx just got a major grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Orlando-based Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, which does business as Lynx, received $27.61 million from the U.S. Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program.
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› St. Pete investment firm prepares for expansion and new partners
St. Pete developer Blake Whitney Thompson has spent 20 years growing his alternative investment firm and advancing major projects throughout the Southeast. Now, he’s ready to take his company into its next chapter. Thompson and the firm have built condo towers, townhomes, and mixed-use developments, including 17 projects with Heatherland Homes in Atlanta.
› Clothing company moves headquarters from Midwest to Miami
A clothing apparel company recently relocated its headquarters from downtown Minneapolis to Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. Coolibar now occupies the entire third floor of the Wynwood Annex Building. About 45 people work in the 8,200-square-foot office, said Robert Burns, Coolibar’s public relations and events manager.
› Central Florida Holocaust Center hires Emily Sterling as interim CEO
Emily Sterling will serve as the interim CEO of Central Florida’s Holocaust Center, effective immediately, as the organization works to revamp its plans for a new museum in downtown Orlando. The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida, currently based in Maitland, made the announcement Monday.
› Minnesota company buys Jacksonville-based Gate Precast Co.
The Wells Companies Inc., which makes prefabricated buildings in the United States, announced July 15 that it bought Gate Precast, a subsidiary of Jacksonville-based Gate Petroleum Co. Terms were not disclosed. Wells, based in Albany, Minnesota, said in a news release that the companies have 110 years of combined experience in the industry.