Thursday's Afternoon Update
Florida to cargo ships: Come here to avoid California port logjam
Florida is encouraging shipping firms to consider the state’s 15 seaports as cargo ships remain backed up, waiting for open port space, in Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif. Florida Ports Council President and CEO Michael Rubin issued a release Wednesday arguing that Florida ports could be a more efficient alternative to move consumer goods crossing the Pacific Ocean to either the East Coast or even the Midwest. More from the News Service of Florida.
Citrix starts hunt for new leader after top executive resigns
Citrix Systems of Fort Lauderdale is in the hunt for a new president and CEO after David Hanshall stepped down from his posts as well as from the board of directors on Wednesday. Citrix made the announcement after the stock market closed late Wednesday. Hanshall, 52, has served as Citrix’s top executive since 2017. The move comes one month after a major hedge fund bought $1 billion, or 10%, of the company’s stock. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
UCF developing center dedicated to maintaining Central Florida’s ‘tourism health’
There’s an extensive effort underway to protect Central Florida’s tourism industry. The University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital are teaming up to better prepare for Orlando’s future, which includes keeping hospitality employees healthy to keep the city’s tourism industry active. More from WFTV.
Miami home sales fall for first time since last year as low inventory chokes buying
South Florida residential sales volume dropped in September, marking the first slowdown this year. Single-family home transactions in Miami-Dade and Broward counties dipped when comparing activity in September 2020 to September 2021, according to the latest Douglas Elliman signed contracts report. Condo sales declined in Broward, but rose in Miami-Dade. More from the Miiami Herald.
Why Amazon plans to send a million packages a day out of Temple Terrace
The Temple Terrace warehouse will be Amazon’s most technologically-advanced fulfillment center when it opens, company spokesman Owen Torres said. Amazon officials did not say when the Temple Terrace fulfillment center will officially be operational. The new Temple Terrace center joins Ruskin, Lakeland and Auburndale in the Central Florida area. Amazon also recently announced two more in Tallahassee and Port St. Lucie, plus five new delivery stations coming to Florida in 2022, including one in Pinellas Park. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Sports Business
After landing MLB deal, Jacksonville-based Fanatics trading card business valued at $10.4 billion
Jacksonville-based Fanatics Inc.'s ability this year to secure rights to produce Major League Baseball cards has added to the company's growing perception as the behemoth in the sports merchandise industry. Fanatics, already steadily climbing in the online retail industry of sports apparel and memorabilia, will assume baseball card rights with the Major League Baseball Players Association in 2022.
» More from the Florida Times-Union.
Out of the Box
Florida eliminates giant snail that can eat houses
It’s an 8-inch master of disaster: A snail that can eat the stucco off your house and give you meningitis. But it’s been eliminated from Florida. Again. Officials announced Wednesday the giant African land snail has been eradicated from Florida for the second time. “This truly is an exciting day for our state and for our country,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.