Florida citrus forecast takes another hit

Florida’s citrus industry continues to see production squeezed, as a new forecast dropped the projected orange crop for the current growing season by 3 percent, with specialty fruits down 11 percent. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday updated its outlook by projecting Florida growers would produce enough oranges to fill 44.5 million 90-pound boxes, the common industry measurement. The forecast was down from a projection of 46 million boxes in December. More from the News Service of Florida.

Deal to double Miami International Airport cargo capacity stalls

A Miami-Dade committee Tuesday deferred Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s call to reject an unsolicited proposal and instead directly negotiate with the joint venture to build and run a vertical air cargo hub at Miami International Airport (MIA), where cargo demand is rising. Members of the Airports and Economic Development Committee argued for more time to analyze the proposal by Commissioner Raquel Regalado for building a patented “Vertically Integrated Cargo Community” (VICC) at no cost to the county. More from Miami Today.

Amid rising cost of living, Southwest Florida hospitality employers struggle to hire

Sarasota-Bradenton restaurants are experiencing unprecedented demand as tourism booms and the area's population grows. But at the same time, hospitality businesses in the region are struggling to find staff as the rising cost of housing prices out a workforce that, in the not-too-distant past could make a decent living in the sector. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Port Canaveral cruise ship revenue soars after a big December

Strong December revenues driven by cruises at Port Canaveral topped more than $9.5 million to push the port’s first three months of revenue for the new fiscal year to more than $25.5 million. “We’re seeing a million dollar increase month over month for the first three months of the year,” said Port Canaveral CFO Bill Poole during the port commission meeting on Wednesday. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Crunch Fitness bringing over 100 jobs to Tallahassee

Crunch Fitness is taking the place of what used to be a Winn Dixie on Tharpe Street in Tallahassee. Once the $9 million dollar renovation is finished, at 55,000 square feet it will be the biggest gym in the state of Florida. Crunch will be open 24 hours, 7-days a week and they’re targeting college graduates to fill over 100 open positions. More from WTXL.