Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Thursday's Afternoon Update

Florida jobless claims up slightly

Florida’s first-time unemployment claims last week were slightly higher than during the previous three weeks, but the pace of claims continues to be similar to levels before the COVID-19 pandemic hammered the economy in early 2020. The U.S. Department of Labor estimated 4,704 first-time claims were filed in Florida during the week that ended March 19, up from a revised count of 3,910 in the week ending March 12. Nationally, 187,000 claims were filed last week, the lowest number since the week of Sept. 6, 1969, when the total was 182,000. More from the News Service of Florida.

Blue Origin again delays upcoming New Glenn rocket's first launch from Florida

Blue Origin's upcoming heavy-lift New Glenn rocket will have to wait at least another year for its Florida debut, according to recent comments by an executive later confirmed by the company itself. Speaking Tuesday during the Satellite 2022 conference in Washington, D.C., Blue Origin's senior vice president of the New Glenn program, Jarrett Jones, said the rocket would not fly from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station before the end of this year as previously planned. More from Florida Today.

Orange offers sign-on bonuses, recruiting perks as nearly 1,300 jobs sit vacant

With nearly 1,300 vacant positions, Orange County government is offering sign-on bonuses to attract critical employees, longevity rewards to encourage workers to stay and referral incentives to employees who recruit job candidates, County Manager Byron Brooks said. “In Orange County government, like every other sector across the country, we’re faced with the challenges of retaining and finding employees,” Brooks said after county commissioners updated a pay policy Tuesday. “Demand in the marketplace is so tremendous right now.” More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Tampa condo the latest to sell as NFT as crypto real estate interest grows

Last month, real estate agent Taylor Parrino represented the buyer of a home in Gulfport that was listed as an a non-fungible token in a historic sale. Now, she’s preparing for another auction — a condominium in Tampa. Parrino has been helping prepare a small condo in Hyde Park ahead of the April 7 auction. Bids will start at $185,000 for the 600-square-foot, one-bedroom Tampa condo, according to Propy, a real estate transaction platform that advocates for the use of blockchains. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Sick of high gas prices? Check out EVs and hybrids at Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show

Whether you’re in the market for a heavy-duty pickup truck, a family-friendly SUV or an energy-sipping electric vehicle, you can find the latest models from major manufacturers Thursday through Sunday at the Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show. This year’s 30th annual event at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center will feature EVs and hybrids that are piquing interest of consumers fed up with skyrocketing gasoline prices. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Start. Grow. Stay. High-tech business takes off at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle, the world’s premier aviation and aerospace institution, is working to ensure that businesses start, grow and stay in Florida, promoting innovation and high-paying jobs. Embry-Riddle’s successful business platforms — from a rapidly expanding Research Park to centers of excellence focused on cybersecurity, safety, and innovation — are well-prepared to support a wide range of high-technology companies, from aviation and space to biotechnology. [ Sponsored report]

Event
‘It’s going to be loud.’ Fans, performers and security are ready for Ultra’s return

 After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Ultra Music Festival returns to Miami this weekend – back downtown after a brief and problematic interlude on Virginia Key. For festival veterans, it’ll feel like 2018 again. That’s because Ultra organizers aren’t requiring proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test or masks for entry.

» More from the Miami Herald.

 

Profile
Meet Parks the Labrador retriever, Orlando Health’s new team member

floridaOne of Orlando Health’s newest team members is about 2 years old, 2 feet tall and a very good boy. Parks, a Labrador retriever who loves to work and snuggle, is the first-ever facility dog at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Facility dogs are trained beyond the role of a comfort animal to work with a handler in settings such as health care or criminal justice.

» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel .