Thursday's Afternoon Update
Consumer prices in South Florida rise faster than nationally
Consumer prices in South Florida rose more quickly than those nationally in the 12 months through August, two new reports from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show. The increase in consumer prices overall was 1.9% for the 12-month period in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Palm Beach region, while in all urban areas nationally the increase was 1.7%, the reports show. More from Miami Today.
Macy’s launches free same-day shipping in Tampa Bay and beyond
After making over its Clearwater store as part of a company-wide strategy to modernize its brand, Macy’s announced on Tuesday it would begin same-day delivery in Tampa Bay and more than 20 other markets starting Oct. 1. The same-day service is free — for now — without an added membership fee, an obvious jab at retail behemoth Amazon. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Major Florida grapefruit planting announced
Peace River Citrus Products and Scott Family Cos. and its partners plan to invest more than $25 million in planting a quarter million grapefruit trees in Florida, where citrus greening disease has caused production to plummet in recent years. The trees will be planted on 1,500 acres in St. Lucie and River Counties, according to a news release. More from the Packer.
Commercial space near North Miami Beach’s historic monastery to be redeveloped
Nearly three acres of commercial space in North Miami Beach are getting a major face lift. The project comprises four buildings and currently houses 18 storefronts and two office buildings. None of the existing structures will be demolished, but some of the current tenants will be affected by the renovation. More from the Miami Herald.
Bradenton Blues Festival on pace to sell out in record time
The annual Bradenton Blues Festival, which has been at capacity since debuting in 2012, is set to sell out in record time again this year. The Dec. 7 lineup includes the return of Grammy nominee and Blues Music Award Winner Kenny Neal as well as two-time Blues Music Award Winner Biscuit Miller, a pair of favorites from the inaugural Bradenton Blues Festival in 2012. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Out of the Box
Rex Baron, a post-apocalyptic restaurant with virtual reality and IV-bag cocktails, opening in Boca Raton
If the movie “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome” had a love affair with a Dave and Buster’s, their offspring might be Rex Baron, a new post-apocalyptic-themed restaurant at Town Center at Boca Raton. What’s so appetizing about Armageddon? The restaurant and video-game bar, scheduled to debut Oct. 16, is branded on its website as an “interactive … dining haven where the art of food meets the art of survival,” where dining patrons — known as “survivors” — must cook their hamburgers and steaks on lava rocks heated to 550 degrees.
» More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Business Profile
‘Abilities not disabilities’: A Kendall coffee shop hired them when others wouldn’t
Our Grounds, which opened in the quiet Sabal Chase strip mall near Miami Dade College South in July, is a registered non-profit which employs people with developmental disabilities. The jobs are designed to build an employee’s confidence and to teach them to interact with customers in a real-world setting. Oh, and they brew a fine cup of coffee.
» Read more from the Miami Herald.