DeSantis backs limiting COVID-19-related lawsuits amid pandemic

Saying that fear of lawsuits is holding back the economy, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday said he supports placing limits on coronavirus-related litigation and is willing to consider such a bill during a potential special legislative session in November. The comments marked the first time DeSantis has publicly supported limiting lawsuits for Florida businesses that are grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. More from WJXT and WUSF.

Developers plan $595 million surfing park with homes, shops, offices in Florida

Developers who have been sitting on land in Fort Pierce for 16 years are moving forward with plans to build the world’s latest “WaveGarden” surrounded by a live-work community, according to a report in TCPalm.com. The centerpiece of the village will be “a massive swimming pool-like area that creates up to 1,000 waves an hour” for surfers of all skill levels, according to the report. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Shopping center owners, retailers in Florida seize opportunities in effort to outlast COVID-19 pandemic

It’s been an atypical summer for retailers and shopping center owners in the Sunshine State. There are no Hollywood blockbusters debuting in Florida’s movie theaters, bars remain closed for the time being and shops and restaurants aren’t packed with domestic and international tourists visiting Disney World, Port of Miami’s cruise terminals or any of the states numerous beaches at the level they would in a normal season. The outbreak of COVID-19 has redefined the consumer experience for retail the past several months, but even though it looks and feels different, owners and property managers have reasons for optimism. More from Shopping Center Business.

Jacksonville City Council approves $1.33 billion 2020-21 budget

The Jacksonville City Council passed Mayor Lenny Curry’s $1.33 billion budget relatively intact Sept. 22, but not before a nearly two-hour debate over the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office $468 million in funding. City Council member Garrett Dennis withdrew his budget amendment to hold $234 million from JSO’s budget and require Sheriff Mike Williams to return to Council halfway through the fiscal year and justify the need before it’s allocated. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.

Orlando Health’s cancer center ends affiliation with UF Health

Orlando Health is rebranding its cancer center, ending a six-year affiliation with UF Health. Starting January, the group will be called Orlando Health Cancer Institute. “The growth and maturing of Orlando Health’s oncology program has positioned us to independently deliver the best cancer care in the region,” said Dr. Daniel Buchholz, interim president of the cancer group, in an internal email obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Trend Mention

Event: Florida Companies To Watch Join us for the 9th annual Florida Companies to Watch on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando. Presented by GrowFL, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation, Florida Companies to Watch is an awards program to celebrate growing second-stage companies headquartered in Florida that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace, innovative strategies and processes, and outstanding corporate citizenship, making them “worth watching. Register here.