Florida’s new unemployment claims tick up by nearly 6% to close out June
The final full week of June brought an uptick in new unemployment claims in Florida. The latest data ends two weeks of decreases in initial unemployment claims for Florida. But the total number of new claims still sits below the 8,000 seen in the beginning of June, when there was an unusual spike in filings. The week ending June 7 saw the highest level of initial claims for the year thus far. More from Florida Politics.
Despite price hike, Florida drivers see cheapest Independence Day gas since 2021
Florida gas prices rose last week thanks to the holiday weekend. On Sunday, the state average was $3.08 per gallon, up $0.12 from the week before. The state average was up $0.20 per gallon early in the week before easing down to $0.06 by the weekend, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group. Although there was an early uptick in price, the gas prices for the holiday weekend were the lowest since 2021. More from the Orlando Sentinel and WPEC.
Fairgrounds aims to be Jacksonville's next big entertainment venue
The Jacksonville Fairgrounds is trading asphalt for acreage and is setting the stage for a new era of entertainment on the First Coast. Rising on an 82-acre site along Normandy Boulevard, the nearly $17 million project will triple the space of the current fairgrounds downtown and offer a modern, year-round venue capable of hosting everything from concerts and boat shows to sporting events and RV-friendly festivals. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
How a Miami startup just redefined cross-border deals in Latin America
UM grad Kyle Sonlin is the founder and CEO of Global Settlement, a blockchain company headquartered in Miami. Recently the company made headlines for facilitating what it says is the world’s first fully tokenized capital stack for an operating energy asset: a $75 million acquisition of a Latin American oil and gas facility by Feniix Energy. More from Refresh Miami.
Blackstone to acquire Sunseeker Resort for $200M
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co. is selling its underperforming Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor to Blackstone for $200 million, the companies announced July 7. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending customary conditions. Located on 22 acres of waterfront property in Charlotte County, the 785-room resort opened in December 2023 after years of delays and more than $700 million in development costs. Allegiant’s move marks the end of its short-lived foray into hospitality as it refocuses on its core airline operations. More from Gulfshore Business.
Recreation
Casselberry’s new skatepark is open. Skaters say it’s among the best on the East Coast.
Wheel Park opened June 19 after a decade-long push from local skaters and a $12 million investment from the city of Casselberry. At 40,000 square feet, it’s nearly four times larger than the average U.S. skatepark, according to the Tony Hawk Foundation — and one of the biggest in Florida.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Business Profile
Dementia-friendly dining: This Brevard eatery staff trained to offer it.
Tuscany Grill in Viera, Florida, is the first restaurant in Brevard County to be designated a "Dementia Friendly Dining location." The restaurant provides a quiet section, trained servers, and modified table settings to accommodate diners with dementia. The Dementia Care & Cure Initiative and local organizations provide training to restaurant staff on how to best serve patrons with dementia.
» Read more from Florida Today.