Florida drought deepens strain on citrus industry
Florida is experiencing its driest conditions in 25 years, adding pressure on a citrus sector already affected by disease, hurricanes, and rising production costs. The dry conditions are increasing costs for growers who depend on irrigation to maintain citrus production. Florida accounts for 17 per cent of total U.S. citrus production, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For many communities, citrus production remains an economic activity. More from Fresh Plaza and FOX Business.
Business Beat - Week of March 13th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Coalition urges Florida lawmakers to invest more into state parks
With less than 48 hours until the end of the Florida legislative session, a letter from a coalition of groups is urging lawmakers to add more funding for state parks. The letter from 32 organizations and businesses called on the state Legislature to increase funding for the budget, especially after a state report shows hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs, upgrades and improvements for Florida's 175 state parks. [Source: WTSP]
Traveling for spring break? Gas prices have soared in Florida. Check latest
Hitting the road for a spring break trip? You’ll need to budget more for gas. Prices across South Florida continued to rise Friday, March 13, heading into the weekend as some school districts and colleges are out and students and families take car trips. Prices across Florida are up double digits since the start of the week. As the Mideast conflict involving Iraq and the United States continues, the average gas price across the state has rushed past $3 a gallon, and is closing in on $4. [Source: Miami Herald]
Giant seaweed mats lurk in Atlantic as Florida spring break begins
Massive mats of sargassum lurk in the tropical Atlantic seething toward another year of overabundance and putting Florida vacations at risk of a prickly confrontation. With spring break upon the Sunshine State, the tangles of pelagic flora on beaches are sparse with mostly sporadic clumps brought to shore by winds and waves and whimsy. [Source: Florida Today]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› OUC moves to expand downtown Orlando footprint as power demand surges
The Orlando Utilities Commission plans to expand some of its facilities in downtown Orlando amid an increasing demand for power across the U.S. The utility company has applied to the city of Orlando's Municipal Planning board to build an electrical substation and add Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration structures for its water treatment plant.
› New RYAM CEO working to ‘get out of the ditch’
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. CEO Scott Sutton has been on the job for only two months but he already has his priorities set for the Jacksonville-based maker of cellulose specialties products. In a March 4 conference call with analysts after the company known as RYAM reported a loss from continuing operations for the seventh straight year, Sutton said he is impressed by its employees and its product capabilities. However, “we have urgent work to do to get out of the ditch,” he said.
› Cape Coral weighs financing for $225M Yacht Club rebuild
Cape Coral City Council is exploring financing and construction timelines for a proposed rebuild of the city’s Yacht Club that could cost $225 million or more. At a March 11 workshop, planners presented renderings of a new resort-style club, marina, parking garage, pool and other amenities planned for Yacht Club Community Park. Most council members agreed the high cost likely requires a gradual, phased-in approach to construction.
› Jack Nicklaus wins bankruptcy court approval to get back his brand
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has won bankruptcy court approval to reacquire the brand and assets for Nicklaus Companies for $35.7 million. 20 Majors LLC, a North Palm Beach-based company tied to Nicklaus, got the go-ahead for the purchase in a ruling by Judge Craig T. Goldblatt of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The hearing was March 9.
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› Tampa Theatre working on $30M in enhancements ahead of turning 100
Tampa Theatre is getting to ready to mark its 100th year in October and as part of the preparation for the milestone it is undergoing a $30 million major renovation and modernization that will see its main room, the historic Duncan Auditorium, close for several months. The project is nothing short of a “transformational investment in our community’s cultural legacy,” says John Bell, Tampa Theatre’s president and CEO.
› 'Amazing opportunity': THE PLAYERS Championship brings in millions of dollars to Northeast Florida
As golfers prepare to tee off for The Players Championship, tourism leaders say the tournament’s impact stretches far beyond the fairways of TPC Sawgrass. Visit Jacksonville says the annual tournament draws tens of thousands of visitors to Northeast Florida and generates millions of dollars in economic activity for the region. The event also gives local businesses a chance to showcase Jacksonville’s food and culture to visitors from around the world.
› Private racquet club set near West Palm Beach
A new private membership club is coming to West Palm Beach, but this country club-style gathering spot will have a special focus on racquet sports and family. Court Club already is under construction at 1591 Kirk Road just south of the Trump International Golf Club . When complete, this private club will feature six padel courts, six tennis courts and two or more pickleball courts.
› Orlando Martini Fest returns to shake things up
Last year’s P1 Vodka-sponsored Orlando Martini Fest stirred things up enough to warrant another party, this time in a new place. On Saturday, March 21, fans of this classic cocktail — and the many variations thereof — will gather for a celebration of all things martini, 6-10 p.m. at the Caribe Royale Orlando. This year’s party will showcase 20 uniquely themed martinis, classic to colorful and over-the-top creations you’ll want to snap before you sip.