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Wednesday’s Afternoon Update

Florida changed its hurricane tax holidays. What can you buy tax-free?

Florida has gotten rid of two long-standing hurricane tax holidays this year, the first of which should have come in early June. Instead, the budget passed by legislators will cut sales tax on certain hurricane-related items all year. Will you save money with the new tax exemptions? It depends what you need to buy to build your hurricane kit. Most of the items included in last year’s hurricane tax holiday would become tax-exempt all year. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Judge ousts Silver Airways management, moves to appoint a trustee to wind down bankruptcy

A frustrated federal bankruptcy judge removed the management of Silver Airways on Tuesday and ordered the appointment of a trustee after a fresh series of missteps clouded the sales prospects of the company’s affiliated carrier in the Caribbean. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Peter Russin, whose patience has been tested frequently since Silver and Seaborne Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last Dec. 30, took the action after it became evident that Silver’s management had little to offer in the way of information about a prospective buyer for Seaborne. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

JEA board approves one-time $40M bump in contribution to city coffers

JEA officials have approved a $2.37 billion annual budget that includes the public utility’s largest-ever single-year contribution to Jacksonville’s general fund. The budget, approved by JEA’s board Tuesday in a 7-0 vote, does not include any new rate increases for customers. The utility in March approved bumps to electric and water charges, which have since gone into effect. Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one. More from Jax Today.

Miami Beach moving closer to becoming Blue Zones city

Miami Beach is taking steps to enhance the community’s well-being as it moves towards becoming a Blue Zones city. “We are really picking up our game and becoming a health and wellness destination,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. The Blue Zones Project website notes it seeks to improve the overall well-being of residents in a community. More from Miami Today.

Magic’s Alex Martins stepping down after 14 seasons as CEO

Orlando Magic chief executive officer Alex Martins is stepping down and taking on a new role as the vice chair of the organization. The Magic will not employ a new CEO. Instead, Magic president of business operations Charlie Freeman will lead business efforts for the franchise. The moves are all part of a new leadership structure the Magic are implementing after 14 years with Martins as CEO. More from the Orlando Magic.

Florida Dining
‘Taking a little break’: Another Michelin-recommended Miami restaurant presses pause

One of the most anticipated Miami restaurants of 2024, the creation of a world-famous Italian chef, has announced it’s closing — but only for summer. Torno Subito, the whimsical spot from Chef Massimo Bottura on the rooftop of Julia & Henry’s food hall in downtown Miami, announced that it would be taking “a summer pause.” The restaurant, which opened last August to great fanfare and was named as a recommended restaurant in the 2025 Michelin Guide, is known for its playful approach to Italian cuisine.

» More from the Miami Herald.

 

Florida Trend Exclusive
Hotels by the park

Downtown Pensacola’s waterfront Community Maritime Park is attracting major investment by two separate hotel firms planning a total of 305 new hotel rooms. Design plans for the proposed Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel and apartment development at the Maritime Park have been approved by the city of Pensacola.

» Read more from Florida Trend.