Tuesday's Afternoon Update
Business of space tourism making giant leaps
As innovation in space exploration moves forward, the business of space tourism is also making giant leaps and Florida is poised to reap the benefits. NASA’s Commercial Crew astronauts are expected to fill two seats on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon by this spring or summer. But in addition to that, up to four seats could be taken by private astronauts flying at the highest altitude ever by tourists. More from CBS Miami.
Florida seeing impacts of coronavirus with no confirmed cases in the state
Florida has no confirmed cases of coronavirus, but it's still seeing the effects in different ways. Florida Gulf Coast Finance Professor Tom Smythe said if the supply chain is being disrupted, that means there are fewer goods available. "This is likely to trickle down into the U.S. economy," said Professor Smythe. Affect on markets is one thing. Affect on travel is another. More from NBC-2.
Florida program offers career skills for those with autism, disabilities
Last year, the unemployment rate for Americans with a disability was almost three times the rate of those without. A Florida program aims to change that by offering young people with special needs a chance to cook up a future career. And the recipe is proving to be a success. More from WJXT.
Miami lawmakers wanted to ban tolls on Palmetto Expressway. Tallahassee listened.
Florida State Sen. Manny Díaz has been driving on the Palmetto Expressway since he got his license more than 30 years ago. Traffic has never been worse, he said. Residents agree. Now, the Florida Department of Transportation is suspending tolls on State Road 826 and rolling back the express lane program that critics say has created more traffic issues than it solved. More from the Miami Herald.
Ron DeSantis ‘leans against’ preventing local control over Airbnb
Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed concerns Monday about legislative proposals that would further prevent local governments from regulating short-term vacation rentals. DeSantis said he hasn’t made up his mind on the bills (HB 1011 and SB 1128) but is “leaning against” the effort. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Out of the Box
Drive-up ashes? Florida church offering them Wednesday
Religion often takes a back seat to other pressing needs in this age of multi-tasking, multiple jobs, parenting responsibilities and entertainment options. So this Ash Wednesday, the Emmanuel Community Park — part of Naples’ Emmanuel Lutheran Church — will try to make things a little easier for parishioners and others interested in welcoming in the Easter season. Taking a cue from the fast-food restaurant business, the church is offering what it is calling “spirituality on the go,” a drive-up service for people to receive ashes and prayer.
» More from the Northwest Florida Daily News.
Profile
Business owner enhances career with voice-over work
Marilyn Santiago, 54, is partner and co-owner at Creative Architectural Resin Products. The Fort Myers company makes resin-based, faux architectural elements that mimic the look of natural materials, such as wood and stone. Before starting CARP with her partner, Steven Russell, Santiago had a long career in media and entertainment, where she did radio work, media consulting and representation for entertainers and other clients.
» Read more from the Business Observer.