Jobless claims up following Spirit layoffs
After Dania Beach-based Spirit Airlines grounded operations earlier this month, jobless claims in Florida leapt to the highest total for a single week since last June. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 7,968 initial unemployment applications were filed last week, up from a revised count of 5,573 for the week ending May 2. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Business Beat - Week of May 15th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by associate editor Brian Hartz.
Florida growers hope new rootstock can slow citrus greening losses
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says a newly approved rootstock could offer Florida citrus growers another tool in the fight against citrus greening disease. The disease has devastated Florida’s citrus industry over the past two decades, dramatically reducing production across the state. Cora Mandy with the EPA says the impact on growers has been significant. [Source: RFD News]
New poll shows rising Florida sports betting, and calls for guardrails
Sports betting is increasingly popular in Florida. In a new poll released May 14, nearly 1 in 4 Floridians reported placing a bet through an online or mobile app, and 1 in 5 say they've put some money down at least a few times in the last year. Despite its popularity, more than half of Florida voters want to add more restrictions or limits to sports betting. Most bettors wager small amounts, but 30% have reported losing more than $100 in a single day. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Florida to end international export of manta rays for aquariums
Florida’s wildlife commission voted this week to end a controversial policy that allowed the capture of wild manta rays — a federally threatened species — for overseas aquariums. But the commission will still allow U.S. companies to seek approval from Florida’s wildlife officials if they want endangered marine wildlife for their displays. The new rules effectively end an open permitting program for the capture of certain federally threatened Florida wildlife for educational purposes. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Pasco County ZIP code named hottest housing market in the U.S.
Land O’ Lakes in Pasco County is the hottest “neighborhood” in the U.S., according to a report from a real estate firm ranking the 100 most populous ZIP codes based on year-over-year growth in listing views. Plant City is No 2. The report, which found that buyers are chasing affordable prices while staying close to large metro markets, is from the online real estate firm Redfin.
› South Florida wildfire threat may loom for months despite start of wet season
As South Florida’s long-running drought stretches ahead, the risk of wildfire activity may persist for months, fire officials say. The region should see “above-normal” levels of significant wildland fire potential through August, even though the approaching wet season could offer some relief to the drought-stricken area, according to a report recently released by the federal government’s National Interagency Fire Center. The forecast comes as fire officials this week tamed a brush fire that burned through more than 11,400 acres of the Everglades in west Broward.
› Jacksonville seeks feedback on creating business district
Jacksonville city officials are seeking feedback about a proposal to create a special business district on the Westside. They want business owners to log onto an online petition and fill in suggestions by mid-June. Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one. The district would be called the Wonderland Corridor, stretching along 103rd Street from Blanding Boulevard to the Cecil Commerce Center. City Council member Rahman Johnson believes this is the first fully digital corridor petition process in city history.
› Disney World rolls out Florida resident ticket offer for the summer
Disney World has a new ticket offer for Florida residents this summer. The specially-priced tickets are valid for visits from May 17 through Oct. 3 and come with no blockout dates. Florida residents can also save up to 35% off on stays at select Disney hotels through July 29.
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› Amid brewing power struggle, Miami commission blocks mayor’s $450M bond — for nowy
The Miami City Commission on Thursday voted to delay a vote on Mayor Eileen Higgins’ half-billion-dollar public safety bond, dealing a blow to the mayor as she’s worked to find her footing during her first five months in City Hall. Higgins had hoped to ask voters in August to approve $450 million in spending to replace the city’s deteriorating public safety infrastructure.
› Upscale supper club set to debut in Tampa’s Westshore District on Friday
Inspired by 1950s supper clubs, The Sapphire will debut with a soft opening at TriPointe Plaza in Tampa on Friday. Fine dining, entertainment and cocktails converge in the 17,000-square-foot space located at Westshore Market. “The Sapphire offers an immersive experience that evolves throughout the evening,” according to a news release.
› ‘Dropping the ball’: Fort Lauderdale fumbles rollout of $200 million in park upgrades
Years ago, Fort Lauderdale sold residents on the idea of paying higher property taxes for 30 years in exchange for an ambitious $200 million in park upgrades. Out of 112 city parks, 96 wound up on the promised list for improvements, both big and small. But the city said nothing about a deadline. Seven years later, much of the bond money remains unspent in the face of skyrocketing costs, with several projects facing budget shortfalls of $2.5 million or more.
› For first time, Jacksonville will host Ironman
The first-ever Ironman Jacksonville is taking over the city Saturday, May 16, bringing thousands of athletes and spectators to Northeast Florida, causing major road impacts and closures across the city. Between 1,500 and 1,900 participants from 31 countries and 49 states are expected to compete in one of the most demanding endurance races in the world.