Weekly unemployment claims drop to lowest levels in Florida all year
The final week of November saw a huge drop in jobless claims in Florida, marking the lowest figure of 2024. The drop in unemployment claims over the past month comes after a brutal October, when first-time filings spiked to their highest number following two hurricane strikes in as many weeks. More from Florida Politics and the News Service of Florida.
Business Beat - Week of December 6th
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Wildlife officials eye bear management
As pressure has increased for the state to allow bear hunting for the first time in nearly a decade, Florida wildlife officials will get an update next week on the state’s black bear management plan. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will receive information about the 2019 management plan during a meeting Wednesday in Lakeland. [Source: News Service of Florida]
What’s next for the 2025 real estate market in Florida? We may see better prices and more inventory
Whether you’re a renter, homeowner or potential buyer in Florida, the new year may present you with some favorable changes in the housing market, according to real estate experts. Prices have actually begun to level off, by dropping altogether or rising at a rate that isn’t as high as it was in previous years, and that is expected to continue into the beginning of 2025. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida Citizens policy count dips below 1 million for first time in two years
Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has dropped below 1 million policies in force for the first time since July 2022, a milestone that officials said reflects an ongoing depopulation program and an improving market in the state. Since January of this year, Citizens, the state-created insurer of last resort that had grown to be the largest property insurance carrier in the state, has transferred almost 20% – more than 400,000 policies – to other carriers in takeouts. [Source: Insurance Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida Cannabis industry gains financial ally as bank unveils tailored services
In an effort to support the Sunshine State’s cannabis industry, Climate First Bank on Wednesday launched banking services for specifically cannabis-related companies in Florida. As the nation’s first FDIC-insured digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis, the St. Petersburg-based bank partnered with Green Check Verified, the leading provider of cannabis banking solutions and expert advisory services, for this service.
› Crews prepare for launch of ‘Blue Ghost’ moon lander from Florida
NASA is working with multiple U.S. companies to deliver science and technology to the moon’s surface as part of its Artemis mission. The next moon mission could launch from Florida’s Space Coast in January. Crews plan to use Firefly Aerospace’s “Blue Ghost” lander to deliver 10 NASA science and technology instruments to a vast basin on the moon’s near side.
› New Florida bill would nix controversial plans to bring golf courses, lodges to 9 state parks
Months after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration introduced controversial plans to bring golf courses, resort-style lodges and pickleball courts to state parks, a Stuart lawmaker filed a measure to make such proposed changes off-limits. State Sen. Gayle Harrell on Wednesday filed a bill (SB 80) that would strike golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts and ball fields from recreational uses at state parks.
› St. Petersburg City Council approves bonds for Rays stadium, Gas Plant
The City Council on Thursday followed through with approving bonds to fund its portion of a $1.3 billion stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays and the surrounding Historic Gas Plant District. The 4-3 decision, in line with past votes taken on the stadium and redevelopment, now leaves it to the Pinellas County Commission to potentially have the final say on the deal.
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› Big changes coming to Central Florida FEMA sites
There are big changes coming to FEMA disaster recovery centers in Central Florida. The FEMA disaster recovery center in Seminole County at Seminole State College will close on December 7. Then, the Volusia County disaster recovery center will relocate to a new site that same day. The new location for the Volusia County site will be announced later this week.
› A North Florida artists' group provides needed art supplies to teachers and students
Lots of school teachers end up having to buy classroom supplies out of their own pockets. That particularly holds true for art teachers. Now a North Florida artists' group has jumped in to help. In the past year, art teachers in Leon County's public, private, charter and magnet schools have received a total of $10,000 in art supplies from a special committee of the Artists' League of the Big Bend.
› High-end mattress maker chooses Naples for first out-of-state showroom
Founded in 2004, Harbor Springs Mattress Company has developed a loyal clientele in its home state of Michigan. Its handcrafted, all-natural mattresses made with the centuries-old technique of hand-tufting are beloved for their quality, comfort and longevity. Michigan-based Harbor Springs Mattress Company is going outside the Wolverine State for the first time, with a new showroom in Naples.
› Israel’s Spinframe sets up in Miami to offer AI-powered vehicle-inspection systems
An Israeli company that makes AI-powered camera systems to scan vehicles at ports, factories, car-rentals and other locations is entering the US market and selected Miami as its US headquarters. Spinframe CEO Ori Dangur said he opened his company’s Miami operation in October, lured by the warm weather (similar to Israel’s) and by Miami’s role both as a tech and trade hub, among major factors.