Friday's Afternoon Update
Florida’s favorite Halloween candy and other ways people spend money on the holiday
On Halloween in Florida, those who love it will shovel out up to $86.27 to celebrate -- most of which will be spent on the state’s favorite candy. For the second straight year, Americans’ Halloween spending is projected to drop slightly, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. With an estimated $8.8 billion spent on candy, costumes, decorations and greeting cards, it’s still expected to be the third-highest figure in the survey’s 15-year history. More from the Daily Commercial and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
’No real help’ available for thousands struggling in Central Florida’s opioid crisis, research finds
Opioid prescriptions have plummeted in Central Florida over the past 18 months, but the number of overdose deaths is down only modestly because of a “flood” of powerful illicit fentanyl into the region. And “there is no real help” in the form of the medication-assisted treatment essential to battling the crisis. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Jobs, Robots & Southwest Florida: Preparing for the technological job market
Artificial intelligence, automation and technology in general has impacted our lives in various ways. It’s changed the way we vacuum our homes, and the way we check out at the grocery store. While Silicon Valley is known for being a hub for technology, Southwest Florida continues to attract businesses focused on the future. More from WFTX.
Jacksonville Port Authority produces historic year
The Jacksonville Port Authority announced record volumes in containers, vehicles and overall tonnage for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. JaxPort moved about 1.3 million 20-foot equivalent units for a 5 percent increase over 2018, officials said. The port also moved the most vehicles in its history, nearly 696,500 total units. More from the Florida Times-Union.
New Florida Wildlife Corridor expedition aims to show what new toll roads would destroy
Members of the Florida Wildlife Corridor expedition are participating in a trip through the center of the state, traveling by horseback and by foot. The travelers hope to show off Florida habitat that could be lost to development and the controversial new toll roads backed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
A leader in innovation: Using the latest sustainable technology from field to factory
U.S. Sugar uses the latest science and technology to produce the highest quality sugar, fresh vegetables, and orange juice. Employing advanced practices in planting, harvesting and transportation allows the company to maximize their crops while protecting the environment and communities where their people reside. [Sponsored report]
Florida Dining
Whatever happened to Ronnie’s, the greatest restaurant in Central Florida history?
Did you hear the one about the $1.2 million bowl of soup? No, it wasn’t made of incredibly rare shark fin and served in a jeweled bowl. It was made of cabbage and served by a waiter who might or might not give you an extra pat of butter for your roll. Ronnie's wasn't just a Jewish delicatessen, it was an Orlando institution. Almost 25 years after it closed, thousands of despondent diners still face Colonial Avenue three times a day and bow to an imaginary hot pastrami sandwich.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Business Profile
Tampa video store isn’t just hanging on. It’s thriving on horror.
There is a place where the video store never died. Where movie posters plaster the walls and a giant novelty VHS tape hangs above the checkout counter. Where, on a recent afternoon, the owner placed an order for more inventory via an honest-to-goodness telephone.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.