It’s the pandemic, stupid: Florida election comes down to COVID-19, strategists say

With less than two weeks left before the Nov. 3 general election, Republican and Democratic strategists say the election isn’t about broad policy issues like health care, the environment, gun control or immigration. Instead it’s about fighting the coronavirus, which means different things for different Florida voters based on their political affiliations, ages and livelihoods. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Carnival plan to resume U.S. cruises on Dec. 1 remains on track after judge’s ruling

Carnival Corporation is still on track to resume cruises in the U.S. on Dec. 1 after a favorable ruling from a federal judge Wednesday. The company, on probation since 2017 after pleading guilty to dumping oil into the ocean for several years, will have to attest to the environmental protection status of each of the company’s cruise ships 30 days before they reenter U.S. waters to restart cruises, according to the order from U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida Patricia Seitz. More from the Miami Herald.

Beleaguered Southwest Florida car company adds to leadership ranks

Hertz Global Holdings, in the latest of multiple moves in its executive financial ranks, named Alexandra (Alex) Brooks Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, effective Nov. 1. Brooks will oversee the company's global accounting operations, financial shared services, tax and risk management, according to a statement. Brooks joined Hertz, the Estero-based global car rental giant, in June as a senior vice president, internal audit, the release adds. More from the Business Observer.

PortMiami dredging may rest on economic future of cruise lines

PortMiami continues to plan for more dredging, pandemic or not. As the coronavirus has plagued both Miami and the rest of the nation, there has been an increased focus on cruise ship travel and economic recovery. Last year, Miami-Dade County commissioners authorized a three-year study. Now, after about a year and a half, US Army Corps of Engineers project manager Laura Reichold has an update on dredging work. More from Miami Today.

SeaWorld offers behind-the-scenes looks at animal-care areas

SeaWorld Orlando is introducing several limited-run, limited-capacity experiences to demonstrate its animal-care facilities. It’s part of its Inside Look promotion, which will include multiple Trainer Talks sessions. All are included in regular theme-park admission. The peeks are scheduled for Nov. 7, 8, 14 and 15. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida-based innovation in response to COVID-19

One of the few encouraging stories about COVID-19 has been the number of people who have come up with creative solutions to counter its effects. This burst of innovation has not been limited to academics and medical professionals. Recently, our law firm has received inquiries from Florida and South American innovators ranging from teachers to small business owners and hospitality workers who are creating solutions to limit the spread of the disease. [Sponsored report]