How COVID (almost) reshaped Florida agriculture, and why it still might

When the COVID-19 pandemic first took hold in the United States, Florida was the only state that was in the middle of its primary harvest season. Thanks to the state’s southern latitude, while most of the country is in its winter and early spring months, Florida farmers are busy planting and harvesting tomatoes, squash, eggplant, bell peppers, papaya, strawberries and more. But as restaurants closed down across the nation, supply chains were broken. Farmers found themselves without anywhere to send their produce and literally tons of food ended up going to waste. [Source: WUSF]

‘Shaking off inertia’: Cuba expands small and medium enterprises amid crushing crisis

Cuba is expanding the ways private enterprises can operate as the socialist government launches new efforts to revive the island’s moribund economy amid the worst crisis since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The latest measure, an authorization in principle for small and medium enterprises to expand and operate in several sectors, could create a more fertile environment for investment and stimulate momentum for engagement with the United States. [Source: Miami Herald]

Will the housing market ever slow down in South Florida? It might take longer than you think

After almost a year and a half of intense demand for houses, the real estate market in South Florida shows no signs easing up. Most experts believe the market will continue to boil for at least another year, either well into 2022 or even 2023. Some believe that with the “perfect storm” of low interest rates, continued migration to Florida and the lack of homes for sale, the demand could continue even longer. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel ]

How COVID-19 changed South Florida retail and restaurant spaces

South Florida retailers and restaurants weathered the pandemic better than most. Most found ways to adapt, but some closed for good. Those vacancies created opportunities for investors across the country to try to benefit from the influx of people and capital moving to the Sunshine State. After the real estate market for restaurants and retail froze in the first and second quarters of 2020, deal work resumed in the third. [Source: Daily Busness Review]

Florida courts get ok to lift mask, social distancing rules

The chief justice of Florida's Supreme Court says the state's justice system will soon be able to conduct court proceedings without masks and social-distancing. Chief Justice Charles Canady issued an administrative order lifting the rules put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. The state's top jurist says the restrictions can now be lifted because of increased vaccination rates and updated guidance from health officials. [Source: WUSF]

AdventHealth University: Where virtual training improves real care

Educators at AdventHealth University are transforming the delivery of patient care with equal parts technology, empathy and a focus on the future of medicine. Well before the pandemic, the school was a leader in health care education. By applying science and the practice of whole-person care, they develop medical professionals with uncommon compassion. [Sponsored report]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› CSX realigns roles of two top executives [Jacksonville Daily Record]
CSX Corp. announced a realignment of roles June 7 for two high-ranking executives. The Jacksonville-based company appointed Chief Financial Officer Kevin Boone executive vice president of sales and marketing and Mark Wallace, who had served in that role since July 2018, was named executive vice president focusing on special projects.

› Florida Prize exhibit opens at Orlando Museum of Art, highlights Sunshine State artists [Orlando Sentinel]
After a pandemic-inspired postponement, the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art returns to Orlando Museum of Art for its seventh year, highlighting the work of 10 artists from around the state. The works and creators represented span a variety of genres and media, but together, the exhibit comprises a hand-picked selection of cutting-edge art, all from Florida. These is being displayed through Aug. 22 in the Loch Haven Cultural Park space.

› Tampa consulting firm wins $82 million USAID contract [Tampa Bay Times]
A woman-owned Tampa consulting firm has won an $82 million federal contract with the United States Agency for International Development, one of the largest aid organizations in the world. WWC Global will provide institutional support in program management, strategic communications, recruiting, acquisition and geographic information systems work for the agency, known as USAID. The company’s contract began June 1.

› A $20 billion hedge fund from New York is signing a 10-year lease in Coconut Grove [Miami Herald]
Yet more financial firms are coming to Miami. The latest: D1 Capital partners, a $20 billion hedge fund that has signed a 10-year lease for 25,000 square feet within Related Group’s newly completed 2850 Tigertail art-filled office building in Coconut Grove. D1’s arrival represents another out-of-state financial giant betting on Miami by putting an office there.

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› Florida DEO removes chat with us option [WTXL]
A chat feature used by many unemployed Floridians is no longer available, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced on Twitter last week. The DEO says claimants who need assistance must call 1-833-FL-APPLY or visit the Reemployment Assistance Help Center online here.

› Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy lands in Winter Park [Orlando Sentinel]
Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy restaurant is expected to open in a former Steak ‘n Shake in Winter Park. A banner outside the closed restaurant at 818 S. Orlando Ave. on Monday featured the Chicken Guy logo and said the restaurant is “hatching soon.” Chicken Guy’s other Central Florida location, a collaboration between Fieri and Orlando restaurateur Robert Earl, opened in 2018 on the ground floor of Earl’s Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs.

› Newman Cigar Company wants to bring Cuban tobacco back to Ybor City [Tampa Bay Times]
The J.C. Newman Cigar Company claims to have the nation’s last bale of Cuban tobacco. Purchased just prior to the U.S. government cutting off all business relations with the socialist nation, the Newman family now stores it in their Ybor City factory basement. They use it as part of a history tour detailing Tampa’s time as cigar rolling capitol of the world, which was made possible due to the city’s close relationship with Cuba’s tobacco farmers.

› Gatlin buys former St. Johns dog track, plans $250 million Grand Cypress [Jackswonville Daily Record ]
Gatlin Development Co. Inc. plans a $250 million mixed-use development called Grand Cypress at the former greyhound racetrack and poker room site in St. Johns County after buying the nearly 100-acre property last week for $16.5 million. Gatlin purchased the land at 6256 and 6322 Race Track Road on May 26, according to deeds recorded May 28 with the St. Johns County Clerk of Court.