Wednesday's Afternoon Update
Gov. DeSantis signs 23 more bills, holds back on signing $93.2 billion budget
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed 23 bills Tuesday night, none of which were the $93.2 billion state budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, which must be approved by July 1. DeSantis said last month that he was putting off signing it awaiting action from Washington, D.C., on another stimulus package to address the national economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. More from the Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times.
Universal Orlando lays off unspecified number of workers
Universal Orlando laid off some workers on Tuesday, about two weeks after it reopened its theme parks following a months-long coronavirus shutdown. “We have made the difficult decision to reduce our parks and resorts workforce across multiple locations and business units,” Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said Tuesday night. He did not give the number of people laid off. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
High-flying private jet service promotes manager to president
Elite Jets, a Naples-based luxury charter air service, has promoted two of its experienced pilots to executive leadership positions. The promotions, of Mark London, who previously served as the company’s general manager, and Stephen Myers, who had been assistant chief pilot, come as the company responds to industry-wide changes in air travel. More from the Business Observer.
Florida Grand Opera shares home with aviation company
Florida Grand Opera’s search for a new headquarters has been temporary stalled due to the coronavirus pandemic shutdown. The opera sold its 35,000-square-foot Doral Center building at 8390 NW 25th St. for $7 million back in October 2019, according to Cushman & Wakefield real estate services, which represented the opera company in the sale. The opera is currently sharing the space with new owners Imagik International Corp., an in-flight entertainment systems company. More from Miami Today.
Orange County moving forward with $700 million convention center expansion
Orange County will continue pressing forward with — and spending money on — a nearly $700 million convention center expansion, though the project is likely to be slowed because tax collections have collapsed amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a presentation to county commissioners Tuesday, Orange County staffers said they may have to split the expansion into two phases. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Sports Business
Florida enacts heat stroke protections for student athletes
A grieving mother's plea to Florida lawmakers was fulfilled when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a measure requiring schools to do more to protect student athletes from heat strokes, including having water-filled tubs at games and practices to rapidly cool the body. Laurie Giordano had lobbied the Florida Legislature to approve legislation that would require high schools to act more quickly when student athletes show signs of heat stroke and other heat-related stresses.
» More from the AP.
Arts & Culture
Orlando’s Clarence Otis to lead Jazz at Lincoln Center
Clarence Otis, the Orlando resident who formerly chaired Darden Restaurants, will become chairman of the board for Jazz at Lincoln Center this September. In his new role, Otis will work closely with the board, as well as managing and artistic director Wynton Marsalis, on strategy, policy and fundraising, while cultivating an appreciation for the art form.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.