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Monday's Afternoon Update

Busy summer travel season expected for Florida

There’s continued optimism when it comes to air travel after a busy Memorial Day Weekend holiday. Mark Jenkins of AAA says with such a strong demand for air travel, he expects to see airlines releasing more flights in the coming year. And he says that could drive down the price of flights to popular tourist destinations like Orlando even more. He says even though cruise ships can’t sail out of Port Canaveral yet, the demand for cruises out of Florida is also rising. More from WMFE.

Florida gas prices forecast to rise by as much as 10 cents this week

Prices at the pump could bounce up 5 to 10 cents this week at Florida gasoline stations, according to a forecast by AAA - the Auto Club. Gas prices are believed to be facing upward pressure this week as optimism about rising fuel demand sent crude oil prices to multi-year highs, AAA reported. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Cash toll plazas are a thing of the past in South Florida. Say goodbye to the last few on Florida’s Turnpike.

Remember those old highway toll plazas where drivers still paid with cash? Well, the Florida’s Turnpike still had some standing in Palm Beach County and they, too, will be a thing of the past. Construction crews are nearing the end of a three-year project to eliminate all the cash toll plazas at Glades Road, Atlantic Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard. The exits will convert exclusively to all-electronic tolling, which uses mounted cameras and sensors to bill drivers through SunPass or their license plate. The $20 million construction project is expected to be completed in the fall. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

For Black entrepreneurs, a fresh start at Tropicana Field as pandemic recedes

As the sun rose high over Tropicana Field Saturday morning, the parking lot below filled with tents heralding a new kind of weekend market, one that highlights Black-owned small businesses. Tables filled with fashion accessories and homemade skin care lines. Food vendors heated up grills, raring to sell hushpuppies, lobster bites and dishes loaded with secret recipe “Smackin’ Garlic Butter.” More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Job fair on Thursday aims to help Orlando veterans and their spouses

Orlando’s first in-person job fair for veterans since the start of the pandemic will be held 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday at the Avanti Palms Resort and Conference Center on International Drive. The Orlando Veterans Job Fair will give veterans, military spouses, transitioning military and members of the National Guard and National Reserves a chance to meet with potential employers face-to-face. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Sports Business
The Mayweather-Paul circus came to South Florida Sunday night. And it really was a show

 Disguised as a boxing ring, the circus came to town Sunday night. Floyd Mayweather Jr., arguably the best boxer of the past 40 years, and You Tube personality Logan Paul culminated four weeks of hype and theatrics with their exhibition at Hard Rock Stadium. The 44-year-old Mayweather, retired since 2017, and Paul completed the eight-round distance. No winner was declared.

» More from the Miami Herald.

 

Business Profile
Motorcycle guru revs up another fast-growth business

floridaCelebrated Southwest Florida entrepreneur Scott Fischer divested of a large portion of his Harley Davidson dealerships a few years ago. Yet the powersports industry adrenaline rush — not just from riding the refined machines, but also in building fast-growing businesses in it — is something Fischer consistently covets. He’s found that with Fort Myers-based Digital Lead Performance. The company does what its name promises: provide powersports dealers, including Harley Davidson locations, digital leads for customers.

» Read more from the Business Observer.