Wednesday's Afternoon Update
Maintaining Florida's leadership in the space industry
Since the end of the shuttle program in 2011, Florida has worked to court private space business to fill the gap. Now, other states like Georgia, Texas and Colorado are looking to capitalize on the private space boom. Stakeholders, along with the Governor and Legislature, have a plan to hold on to Florida’s dominance in the space industry. More from WMFE.
Florida lawmakers could reduce limitations on distilleries
As craft beer breweries blossom across the state, lawmakers are reviewing legislation that could open up other boozy businesses supporters say have stymied by regulations. With the two-month legislative session underway, several pieces of legislation will be considered that could reduce regulation on craft distilleries, allow dogs inside of breweries and allow small restaurants in Kissimmee and St. Cloud to serve liquor. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Duke Energy Florida's parent laid off 1,900 in 2018
Duke Energy Co., the parent company of Duke Energy Florida, laid off more employees last year than the previous two years combined. According to an annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission last week, the North Carolina-based utility laid off 1,900 employees in 2018, up from 100 employees in 2017 and 600 employees in 2016. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
The quiet slice of paradise luring visitors back to the Florida Keys
In the year since Hurricane Irma, the region has rebounded with its customary charm and verve. The Florida Keys easily clinched a spot on Travel + Leisure's annual list of the 50 best places to travel, due in large part to a spate of new hotel openings. More from Travel + Leisure.
SeaWorld ditches polystyrene-foam dinnerware from all its parks
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is removing polystyrene-foam dinnerware from the dining operations from all 12 of its attractions, including SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica water park in Central Florida, the company announced Tuesday. The foam bowls, plates and trays — which are not biodegradable — will be replaced with items made from 100 percent recycled material, SeaWorld said. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Sports Business
Why the Lightning's Jeff Vinik is the best owner in North American pro sports
The Tampa Bay Lightning opened play in the fall of 1992 and had four owners between then and February 2010. The original Japanese group was the ultimate in absentee ownership. Then a strange event occurred on Feb. 5, 2010, when it was revealed that hedge fund manager Jeff Vinik was purchasing the debt-ridden Lightning. The reaction in Tampa was, “Who’s this Vinik?” but nine years later, Lightning fans can make this claim: They have the best owner in the four major professional sports.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Out of the Box
Clinging to the ’80s and ’90s? Try the new retro Florida Gen X Tavern
Millennials, move aside. Generation X is going to party like it’s 1999 again — or perhaps even 1989 — when the Gen X Tavern opens for business in downtown Tampa. The 1980s- and ‘90s-themed bar is the brainchild of Dave Burton, a Tampa restaurateur and, yes, proud member of Gen X — the overlooked cohort situated between the much larger baby boom and millennial generations.
» Read more from the Business Observer and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.