Coronavirus: As Latin America reports cases, Florida businesses could get hit

Even if the actual outbreak in the region remains subdued, Latin America’s dependence on trade with China suggests there could be a ricochet impact to South Florida’s economy, according to Alice Ancona, senior vice president and chief operating officer of World Trade Center Miami. “Brazil is one of the biggest export markets for Florida,” she said. “We’ve been looking at Brazil very optimistically, but reports are they’re already slowing down.” More from the Miami Herald and WTSP.

See also:
» How could the coronavirus impact South Florida's cruise industry?
» DeSantis says Florida ready for coronavirus as state still mum on how many tested
» Florida schools, businesses bracing for nationwide outbreak of coronavirus

Florida retailers say business is booming

Retailers are expecting a substantial jump in sales over last year. A new forecast from the National Retail Federation predicts an increase between 3.5% and 4.1%, for a total of more than $3.9 trillion in sales in 2020. There’s no caveat for recent the economic dip — NRF and its Sunshine State affiliate, the Florida Retail Federation, said the predictions come despite recent external factors, such as the health issues surrounding coronavirus, the presidential election, and lingering trade issues and tariffs.[Source: Florida Politics]

Florida lawmakers seek grades for cities, counties

Florida cities and counties would get letter grades for economic and non-economic factors, under a bill that drew mostly bipartisan support this week from the House Appropriations Committee. Another measure approved by the committee would ask voters in November to approve a proposed constitutional amendment that would require the state chief financial officer to annually provide to residents comparisons of their communities with others in Florida. More from the Panama City News-Herald and the Business Journals.

Central Florida looks to be a gaming event hub

A coalition of leaders from schools, sports franchises and tourism has begun a new push to attract more esports and video game-related events to Central Florida. At the center of the effort is a website that highlights eight venues in the region that can host the events, including Silver Spurs Arena, Full Sail University’s the Fortress and Amway Center. And for the first time, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission included esports in its annual report to the community. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Immigrants’ fear of 2020 Census could cost Florida billions in federal funding

Given all that Florida has to gain from a complete count in the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census — including greater political representation in Congress and billions of additional dollars in federal funding — there are easy arguments to be made in favor of getting counted. But as local advocates fan out across South Florida to encourage census participation among Hispanic and immigrant communities, both traditionally under-counted groups nationwide, there’s another message they are repeating with discipline: you have nothing to fear from the once-in-a-decade count. [Source: Miami Herald]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› With a sale possible, biblical theme park Holy Land may be nearing the end of its 19-year history in Orlando [Orlando Sentinel]
For the better part of two decades, Orlando’s holiest theme park has hung on from its perch on Interstate-4, a struggling David among Orlando’s Goliaths: Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter. Now it seems it’s time to concede defeat. The news came earlier this year: The Crucifixion is canceled. So is the resurrection and all the other stage shows portraying stories of the Bible, which play out five days a week at Orlando’s Holy Land Experience.

› Florida judge, again, orders the state to raise bridge tolls [Bond Buyer]
A Florida judge Wednesday approved a request by the Garcon Point Bridge bondholders to compel the Florida Department of Transportation to raise tolls on the span. The bonds have been in default since 2011. Leon County Circuit Court Judge John Cooper had ordered FDOT on Dec. 4 to increase tolls but the agency didn't, prompting bondholders to return to court to enforce the ruling.

› Port Canaveral commissioners award cruise terminal contracts for Disney expansion project [Florida Today]
Port Canaveral commissioners gave the go-ahead this week to move forward with about $38 million in work for major renovations at Cruise Terminal 8 and 10. The upgrades are geared toward the expansion of Disney Cruise Line's presence at the port, including the 2022 debut of the Disney Wish, a liquefied natural gas-powered ship now under construction.

› South Florida cities organizing to toss Waste Management to the curb [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Can they take out their own trash? Broward cities are organizing to figure out if they can — or should — overthrow corporate giant Waste Management to handle their own garbage and recycling, possibly with the creation of a new taxing district.

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› Longtime executives buy Fort Myers area steel contractor [Business Observer]
Jeff Richards and Jeanette Dean Richards, president and vice president of steel building contractor and erector Better Buildings Inc. for over 25 years, recently purchased 100% of the decades-old company from the former owners, the Dean family. Terms of the acquisitions weren’t disclosed. The transaction was finalized in the fourth quarter last year, according to a statement.

› Florida beach once again named best beach in the U.S. [Orlando Sentinel]
The best beach in the U.S. once again can be found in Florida. In fact, the top 10 is filled with Sunshine State sand in the latest TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. Siesta Beach near Sarasota reclaimed the No. 1 spot from last year’s top beach Clearwater Beach. The barrier island on the Gulf Coast is often near the top of best beach lists, including garnering titles in the annual Dr. Beach list in 2011 and again in 2017.

› Clay schools rack up $27,000 debt in unpaid lunches [Clay Today]
Hungry students have a more difficult time learning. Some buy lunch; others bring it with them. Some students can receive free lunch by virtue of financial need; others get lunch at a reduced rate. Regardless, as of Feb. 24, Clay County schools currently has a $27,000 debt in unpaid meals.

› Tampa International Airport gets nonstop to Charleston, S.C. [Tampa Bay Times]
Silver Airways announced Thursday it will begin offering the Tampa Bay area’s first nonstop flights to Charleston, S.C. beginning May 21. Tampa International Airport is one of three in Florida destinations, along with Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, getting the new Charleston flights.