Monday's Afternoon Update
Budget deal steers $100 million to Florida Forever
Funding for a program that purchases environmentally sensitive lands for conservation will be tripled under a budget deal reached by Florida lawmakers Sunday. Budget negotiators agreed to provide $100 million for Florida Forever. Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, said the deal is shy of the $300 million to $400 million wanted by the environmental community, but it is an improvement over the $33 million that was allocated last year. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Florida Times-Union, and WJXT.
Florida theme parks keep eye on virus as spring break nears
As Florida's busy spring break season kicked off this month, coronavirus czar Vice President Mike Pence addressed something that's been on the mind of tens of thousands of families preparing to travel to theme parks: Is it safe? Over the weekend, Pence stressed it is safe for healthy Americans to travel, noting “one of our favorite places to go when my children were young and even before my children came was in Orlando.” More from the AP
Another coding bootcamp coming to UNF to fulfill need for cybersecurity talent
Fullstack Academy has launched a new coding program at the University of North Florida aimed at satisfying the need for cybersecurity professionals. The part-time boot camp will mirror Fullstack's other bootcamp — it will be 26 weeks long and does not lead to a degree. The classes can accommodate 30 to 40 students. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Publix rations disinfectants, other supplies due to coronavirus
Publix customers are limited to how many disinfectant wipes, hand soaps and other supplies they can buy because of increased demand from coronavirus. The Lakeland-based grocery store giant is limiting customers to two of certain items and the limits are in place until further notice, spokeswoman Maria Brous said. More from the Orlando Sentinel and WTSP.
Sarasota area manufacturing empowered by FloridaMakes
FloridaMakes is partially funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. Its mission is to improve the productivity and technological performance of small- to medium-size manufacturers in Florida. NIST allots funds to the MEPs each year based upon the density of manufacturing in each state and how well the MEP in that state is accomplishing the mission. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Out of the Box
In Sarasota, these machines tell you how to exercise
There’s a new workout facility in Sarasota that looks a lot like a regular personal training space. It has the typical machines, like a leg press, cardio bikes and a chest press, and you get the undivided attention of a personal trainer. But once you sit down and start exercising, it becomes clear pretty quickly that this is a different way to get fit.
» More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Profile
Nicole White
Nicole White founded her Sunrise-based design firm 10 years ago after leaving a career in journalism. She explains why she uses a detailed intake questionnaire; why she never stops showing up for her clients, even long after the project is over; and what she learned from a recent sales tax dispute.
» Read more from the Business of Home.