Florida works to bring back tourism to its Gulf Coast
Tourism officials on Florida’s Gulf Coast say one of the ways concerned people can help the area recover is to visit as tourists, even though some beaches are still closed to the public and debris is still piled next to streets from recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. The tourism promotion agency for the St. Petersburg-Clearwater area said in a news release that 80% of hotels and businesses in the area are open for business. [Source: AP]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Making a splash
Taylor Swift having finished her Miami dates Oct. 20, the eyes of hoteliers, restaurateurs and barkeeps are on the next mega-event they can count on: The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, an annual Southeast Florida happening that has a greater economic impact than the Super Bowl. With no Florida city scheduled to host a Super Bowl through at least 2028 — and, what’s more, the FIFA World Cup doesn’t come to Miami until 2026 — filling hotel rooms and eateries falls to the 65th running of the boat show. [Source: Florida Trend]
Gas prices in Florida just increased for first time in weeks
Prices are about 5 1/2 cents a gallon more than they were last week, according to industry monitor GasBuddy. But that’s still nearly 4 cents a gallon less than a month ago and 17 cents cheaper than a year ago. The increase in the state comes after several price dips and then a couple of weeks of stability. Meanwhile, across the country, gas prices dropped an average of 4 cents a gallon. [Source: Miami Herald]
US regional banks with Florida operations brace for hurricane fallout
Several regional lenders allocated loan-loss provisions in the third quarter to cover potential defaults by borrowers grappling with recent hurricanes, primarily in Florida, highlighting the risks extreme weather and climate change pose to banks. Climate-related risks have long been a concern for banks and regulators, who have been striving to integrate these factors into their loan portfolio assessments. [Source: Reuters]
Tech associations sue over Florida's social media restrictions for kids under 16
Two associations that represent Meta, X, and Google filed a suit Monday to stop a Florida law barring children under 14 from maintaining social media accounts. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and NetChoice want a federal court to prevent enforcement of the law (HB3), claiming it violates the First Amendment, that its definition of a social media platform is too vague, and that it contradicts federal statute. The law goes into effect on Jan.1. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Attorneys vs AI: Still the better option over artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (“AI”) has the potential to enhance attorneys’ work product and client outcomes. It also allows the public to obtain quick answers to their questions, access templates or even have documents or simple contracts drafted for them, all at little or no cost. However, as the old adage goes, “You get what you pay for.” [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› With Orlando annexation derailed, what’s next for Deseret Ranch?
The deal struck by Orange County and Orlando to derail the pending annexation of the vast Deseret Ranch acreage on the city’s eastern flank won’t bar future annexation or development of the property, but it raises significant questions about how much of the land will become a site for urban development, and how soon.
› New Lightning owners have no changes planned for franchise, ‘just here to learn’
The new owners of the Lightning say nothing will change with the team — at least in the immediate future. Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz said their goal is to learn from Jeff Vinik for the next three years, at which point they will take a controlling role with the franchise. “We’re here for a long period just to learn,” said Ostrover. “I’m going to be Jeff’s intern.”
› IAAPA Expo adds drone shows, Halloween market, Hall of Fame soiree
New activities have been incorporated into the IAAPA Expo, which returns to the Orange County Convention Center in November. “With growth comes innovation, and we are thrilled to bring so many new and exciting additions to IAAPA Expo this year,” Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of the Orlando-based International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions trade group, said.
› Miami Open up for potential sale
Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of IMG, is considering selling the Miami Open, one of South Florida's premier tennis events, as part of a broader review of its sports and entertainment portfolio. The Beverly Hills-based sports and entertainment company announced on Oct. 24 that it is exploring the potential sale of select assets within its IMG division, which manages the Miami Open, Madrid Open and contemporary art platform Frieze.
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› New cases of dengue fever confirmed in Hillsborough and Pasco
Health officials in Hillsborough and Pasco counties are warning residents to avoid mosquito bites after new cases of dengue fever were recently confirmed in residents who had not been overseas. A fourth case of dengue since July was recently confirmed in Hillsborough. Three cases were confirmed in Pasco in September, bringing the total to six this year.
› Florida steel company opens major Fort Wayne, Indiana distribution center
A specialty metal supplier headquartered in Florida has opened a distribution center in Fort Wayne as it takes a major expansion-minded step. Vested Metals, which supplies custom metals to a variety of industries like defense and transportation, opened the 20,000-square foot facility this month along Innovation Boulevard on the northern edge of Fort Wayne. Vested Metals is based in St. Augustine, Florida.
› More than 275 Sarasota warehouse workers join union
Nearly 280 warehouse workers employed in Sarasota by wholesale grocery distributor United Natural Foods (UNFI) have voted to join Teamsters Local 79, based in Tampa. As America’s largest union, the Teamsters represents 1.3 million workers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
› Orlando Philharmonic exec wants to diversify audience, venues, programs: ‘I’m up for the challenge’
Karina Bharne wants to see things differently. The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra‘s executive director wants to see the orchestra playing in different venues and neighborhoods, she wants to see audience members of different ages and backgrounds enjoying the music, and she wants the Philharmonic to keep expanding the variety of programs it schedules.