Monday's Afternoon Update
Florida, Nevada may be hit hardest by coronavirus economic shock
According to a newly released study by Oxford Economics, Florida is among the states most vulnerable to the economic shock being caused by the pandemic. Florida is the only heavily populated state near the top of the list, with a comparatively large share of its 21 million residents over the age of 65, and an economy that is relatively dependent on retail sales and tourism. More from Reuters.
Saudi fund takes minority stake in Carnival
Saudi Arabia’s public investment fund has taken an 8.2% stake in Miami-based Carnival Corp., according to a Monday financial filing from the cruise giant. Carnival shares have fallen 83% year to date to about $8 a share, as the number of coronavirus-related deaths on cruise ships has risen and ships have been turned away from ports. More from the Miami Herald.
Bacardi switches production from rum to hand sanitizer at Jacksonville facility
The Bacardi Bottling Corp. is working to produce 24,000 gallons of hand sanitizer at its North Jacksonville facility that will be distributed to hospitals and first responders throughout the state, including a shipment that was donated Thursday to Jacksonville International Airport. Eddie Gay, a manager with Bacardi Bottling, said he delivered 240 750-milliliter bottles to the airport, which will be used by police and frontline workers within the airport’s operations and maintenance departments. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Tourist attraction marks 25th anniversary
The Florida Aquarium celebrated 25 years in business last week with — because of social-distancing guidelines — a guest list consisting of a sea turtle, octopus and some otters and penguins. Opening its doors on March 31, 1995, the aquarium has been a bedrock tourist attraction in Tampa’s Channel District, which is in the midst of a transformation into Water Street Tampa. However, the institution, like so many others, is temporarily closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. More from the Business Observer.
Developer Chris Dorworth submits plans for Seminole’s Econ River Wilderness Area
Developer Chris Dorworth envisions a bustling community filled with hundreds of homes, apartments and townhouses, along with stores, offices and up to two hotels, on what is one of Seminole County’s most popular public wilderness areas west of the Econlockhatchee River. Called The Exchange, the proposed development is being pitched by Dorworth, a former state legislator, as a way to settle his federal lawsuit against Seminole after commissioners unanimously denied his controversial River Cross project. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
In Memoriam
Zev Buffman
The line on Zev Buffman was that he’d never quit. He’d work in show business until the day he couldn’t. Last week, the curtain on Buffman’s outsized life finally closed. The veteran producer and venue leader, who brought superstars to Broadway and Broadway to Tampa Bay and South Florida — and who helped raise $35 million in 30 days to win the Miami Heat its basketball franchise — died Wednesday at 89 at his home near Seattle.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Profile
Shereena Coleman
Ask Shereena Coleman about her work, and her eyes light up. The 37-year-old vice president of business facilitation and the Glades region for the Business Development Board has a palpable passion for managing relationships that radiates from her as she speaks. “I focus a lot on what makes Palm Beach County competitive, and that No. 1 answer is always workforce and talent,” she said. Coleman is leading initiatives to bring more millennials to Palm Beach County to work, and to develop strategies with companies to help them attract millennials to their businesses.
» Read more from the Lakeland Ledger.