Monday's Afternoon Update
Florida becoming top Airbnb destination
Florida’s roads and restaurants are packed with visitors, and as more continue flooding into the Sunshine State, people are increasingly relying on Airbnbs for their vacation accommodations as well as for income. Airbnb has released a list of top-trending destinations for spring: While international destinations like Portugal and Canada are high on the list, Florida was a top priority for families. More from Wink News.
Already rising Florida gas prices could surge after Ukraine invasion
Prices at Florida’s gas pumps increased 4 cents since last week, but a surge in oil prices since Thursday’s invasion of Ukraine by Russia could spell increases of up to 30 cents per gallon in the coming weeks. While oil prices initially went up, sanctions announced by President Biden that did not specifically target oil saw those prices level back initial, according to AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins. International trading on Sunday, though, saw the U.S. price of oil shooting back up. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Hillsborough, Tampa renew COVID rental help
Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa have $28 million available to aid people unable to pay rent or utilities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The county, which is administering the program for both governments, will begin accepting applications Tuesday. It anticipates being able to offer help to 6,000 tenants. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Miami Foundation getting $20 million grant from Wells Fargo for minority small business owners
The Miami Foundation said Friday it accepted a $20 million donation from Wells Fargo to assist Miami-area minority small business owners with buying assets to help stabilize their companies. The grant, spread over three years, is the largest the 55-year-old foundation has ever received. The money is coming from profits Wells Fargo gleaned from administering the federal Paycheck Protection Program, the emergency pandemic assistance effort. More from the Miami Herald.
Mural rises on EA’s downtown Orlando building, but COVID delays opening day
A colorful mural has soared up Electronic Arts’ new downtown Orlando office, even as its opening for hundreds of workers remains tied to when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. The 175,940-square-foot building in the Creative Village part of downtown is ready, but the video game company’s leaders are monitoring coronavirus numbers in Central Florida before making a decision about opening, said Jocel Thornhill, director of operations and program management at EA Tiburon. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Business Profile
SourceFuse
SourceFuse is a 16-year-old Neptune Beach-based company that has worldwide outreach. Co-founders Kelly Dyer and Gautam Ghai create cloud-based software to allow companies to update their technology without having to invest in new hardware. “I would call myself a ‘solution engineer.’ I like to see the problem and stay current with the technologies that would solve it,” Dyer said.
» More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Eco Business
Clearwater brewery recycles carbon in eco-friendly boon to bottom line
Gas is an inevitable byproduct of beer, whether you’re drinking a keg or brewing one. Usually, it’s just waste. But the operators of Big Storm Brewing Co. in Clearwater have found a way to make use of the carbon dioxide released in the brewing process, capturing the gas in barrels and purifying it to carbonate and package more beer. “This is the rare intersection where what is good for the environment is also good for business,” said LJ Govoni, Big Storm’s president.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.