Florida small businesses balance staying open and staying safe during pandemic

A year and a half into the pandemic, some business owners across Florida are still trying to balance earning a living and keeping customers safe from the contagious delta variant. Winter Haven business owner Sean Greear says many of his customers are respectful of others, especially when things get crowded. As the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant remains present, the CDC continues to urge people to wear masks when inside and around other people. More from Spectrum News.

Lawmakers want to authorize study of mushrooms, MDMA as alternative therapies

The search for treatment of common mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, has led researchers to hallucinogenics, which have shown promise when used in clinical, strategic ways. Two proposed companion bills in the state Legislature would, if passed, direct the Florida Department of Health and and the Board of Medicine to study the therapeutic efficacy of three "alternative therapies," MDMA, psilocybin (the substance found in "magic mushrooms") and ketamine. More from the Daytona Beach news Journal.

With NASA partnership, Orlando begins planning for air taxis, flying cars

Orlando is preparing for when flying cars are an option for those who want to soar over congested highways or between nearby cities. And they may arrive far sooner than 2062, as The Jetsons predicted. The city has signed onto a partnership with NASA to develop strategies for welcoming electric oversized drones, which take off vertically from landing pads called vertiports. The city’s first vertiport, to be built by the German company Lillium, is planned for the Lake Nona area. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Coke Florida details Covid-19 challenges, path for growth

Long before the novel coronavirus pandemic disrupted supply chains around the globe, Coca Cola Beverages Florida LLC was working to maximize the efficiency of its manufacturing and distribution network in the Sunshine State. The family-owned independent bottler has spent $300 million on its fleet, commercial real estate and manufacturing capability in the last five years, Thomas Benford, president and chief operating officer, told the Business Journal. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Judge hears testimony on Florida’s ‘Passport’ ban

A Leon County circuit judge could rule late next week in a challenge to the constitutionality of a state law that bans so-called “vaccine passports” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge Layne Smith held a hearing Thursday in a lawsuit filed by Bead Abode Inc., a Sarasota hobby and craft store. Smith gave attorneys until Wednesday to file additional briefs and said he would try to issue a ruling by the end of next week. More from WJXT.

Business Beat - Week of October 8th

Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.