Florida jobless claims remain steady

Florida continues to see relatively little change in new unemployment claims, with the U.S. Department of Labor estimating Thursday that the state had 6,845 initial claims during the week that ended Sept. 18. The estimate was down from a revised count of 7,761 for the week ending Sept. 11 and similar to the average of 7,889 claims a week since mid-May. Before the revision, the federal agency estimated that 6,817 new claims had been filed during the week that ended Sept. 11. More from the News Service of Florida.

Space Coast tourism is on its way to record year, despite pandemic, cruise shutdown

When the year began, Brevard County's tourism chief was cautiously optimistic about a comeback for his industry locally. But he never expected to see how strong the recovery has become. Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis now is projecting that — when the county's budget year ends on Sept. 30 and all the numbers are compiled — the county will have record revenue from tourism. This comes despite a continuing coronavirus pandemic and a 16½-month cruise industry shutdown at Port Canaveral that didn't end until July 31. More from Florida Today.

CVS is hiring thousands in Florida to cover COVID demand and flu season

CVS Health is hosting a nationwide hiring spree Friday to help prepare for flu season while also juggling the demand for COVID-19 vaccinations and testing. The retail pharmacy is hoping to fill 25,000 positions across the country, including 2,400 jobs in Florida and 70 positions in Puerto Rico. Open positions include full-time, part-time and temporary licensed pharmacists, trained pharmacy technicians, nurses, and retail associates. Some corporate and fully remote positions are also available. More from the Miami Herald.

New pond program aims to improve water quality in Sarasota Bay, reduce red tide

A new program plans to help Sarasota County neighborhoods upgrade their drainage ponds so they can better filter nutrients that can feed red tide. The local nonprofit START, or Solutions to Avoid Red Tide, launched the program at a Wednesday press conference overlooking the blue water of the bay. The program is known as a regional Healthy Ponds Collaborative, and most of its funding is coming from a $250,000 grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Amazon can now speed deliveries to Miami-area doorsteps this fast

Five-hour delivery from Amazon? It’s now possible for its Prime Members in the Miami area. After opening the first in a series of miniature fulfillment centers in the region — creating hundreds of jobs in the process — the e-commerce giant is now offering same-day delivery that in some cases can be fulfilled in a matter of hours. More from the Miami Herald.