Florida Trend Exclusive
Bar none: Second chance hiring in Florida
As labor shortages persist, Florida businesses look to those with criminal records as an untapped talent pool. It’s a concept that’s gaining acceptance and traction in business circles, says Neil Volz, deputy director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. [Source: Florida Trend]
Challenges await lawmakers as they prepare for 2025 session
The Florida Legislature returns to the Capitol Tuesday with 26 new members following an election in which voters said the high cost of living was foremost in their minds. The 160 members of the House and Senate will meet for one day in "organization session" to begin preparing for the 2025 legislative session, which begins March 4. [Source: Gainesville Sun]
Workers' comp premiums cut for eighth straight year
Not all insurance rates in Florida are increasing. Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky on Monday ordered an average 1% rate decrease in workers’ compensation rates effective Jan. 1. The decrease applies to both new workers’ compensation policies as well as renewals. More from the Florida Phoenix and the Business Observer.
Florida gets $1.1 billion to expand high-speed internet access
Florida will receive more than $1.1 billion from the Biden administration to bring high-speed internet to rural communities across the state. The funding will come from the National Telecommunications Information Administration’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program, established under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The investment will support the Sunshine's State "Prosperity through a Connected Florida" project, which aims to bring broadband internet services to underserved locations. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]
Springs group sues Florida environment agency over failure to adopt new rules
A nonprofit presented a clear demand in a new lawsuit against Florida’s environmental regulators: Follow the law and make your own rules to save Florida’s struggling springs. The lawsuit, filed this month in Hernando County, comes nearly nine years after Florida lawmakers passed a measure that requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to create rules that would prevent commercial, agricultural and utility industries from drawing a damaging amount of water from springs. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› New development for downtown Boca Raton: What’s next to come near Brightline station
A gem of land right at downtown Boca Raton’s doorstep could get a much livelier atmosphere — complete with new shops and restaurants, as well as new housing, recreational opportunities and green space. The 30 acres of land is hard to miss when driving toward the downtown: The land, north of Palmetto Park Road, is right by Boca Raton’s Brightline station and footsteps from Mizner Park. Creating a bustling scene there would be a boon.
› Brain drain? Not in Jacksonville as city sees surge in educated newcomers
College-educated people are moving all across the U.S. each year, and a new report from USA TODAY Homefront pinpointed Jacksonville as one of the cities they’re gravitating toward. Human capital flight, or simply coined “brain drain,” refers to the migration patterns of people with higher education degrees. Areas with a deficit of college-educated residents experience brain drain, while areas with a surplus of college-educated individuals experience brain gain.
› Osceola labels plum development area ‘slum and blighted’ to create taxing district to fund roadwork
A loophole in state law has allowed Osceola County to label an area “slum and blighted” so it can create a special taxing district to fund road projects even though it’s never had higher property values. County commissioners unanimously and without discussion Monday voted to set aside 65,000 acres to create the Southeast Infrastructure Improvement Area.
› Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons is planning a return to Florida
A Canadian coffee chain could be coming to Florida soon. Tim Hortons is planning a return to the state after a three-decade absence. If the company follows through, the only Tim Hortons in Florida — for now — would be on the state’s Gulf Coast.
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› Wave of 11th-hour claims filed in Tupperware bankruptcy
A wave of last-minute claims has emerged as Tupperware Brands Corp. moves toward the final stages of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, shedding light on the company's remaining financial obligations. November court filings revealed the company still is grappling with various contractual obligations and legal challenges.
› Technology company announces layoffs of remote workers attached to North Naples
Lukka has announced 31 layoffs impacting remote employees who report to its office in North Naples. In a WARN notice filed with the Florida Department of Commerce, the New York-based technology services company shared its plans for job cuts in "an excess of caution," with all of the impacted employees working from home or elsewhere – many of them from other states.
› Eight new nonstop Allegiant flights headed to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
Allegiant Air announced eight new direct flights Tuesday morning from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport as a scattering of locations throughout the United States will now be just a plane ticket away for local residents. The airport has been expanding in recent years as construction of a new concourse and other upgrades to airport systems has been ongoing in a $200 million expansion that will have seen nine projects completed.
› Disney, Celebrity, Viking top U.S. News & World Report’s annual cruise rankings
Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises took the top spots among six categories in the 11th annual U.S. News & World Report Best Cruise Lines rankings. The publication looks at 18 cruise lines and ranked them as the best for the money, best for families, for couples, best in the Caribbean, in the Mediterranean and best luxury lines.