Tuesday's Afternoon Update
Florida sees largest single growth month for manufacturing jobs since May 2020
Florida’s March job numbers are out and consistent with its ongoing upwards trajectory of adding new jobs every month, one key number stands out: Florida added 4,500 manufacturing jobs, representing the largest single month of growth for Florida manufacturers since May 2020. Overall, Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 9,231,500 last month, reflecting an increase of 10,200 jobs, or 0.1%, from February, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reports. More from the News Service of Florida.
Jacksonville's commercial real estate: Entering the post-COVID world
Jacksonville’s industrial and retail markets remained strong while the office market continued to struggle during the fourth quarter of 2021. The metropolitan area’s unemployment rate dropped and population growth continued, both positive for commercial real estate. When completed, the first-quarter 2022 real estate firms’ analysis likely will reflect rising inflation and interest rates. More from the Jacksoville Daily Record.
After selling 5 million sliders, White Castle is expanding in Orlando
The Orlando White Castle set a single-day sales record for the Ohio-based company when it opened near Walt Disney World on May 3 last year, and it’s expected to post a yearly sales record, too. The 4,567-square-foot eatery has become the top performer of more than 350 White Castle locations, and it’s on pace to sell 5 million sliders by its anniversary. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
eMerge conference showcases Miami’s innovation and growing tech hub
Since 2014, eMerge has helped guide Miami into a bigger tech-driven future, with opportunities for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and more. At this year’s two-day event that runs through Tuesday, more than 200 companies and public entities have exhibits. Guests at the conference include: Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian; Serena Williams, legendary professional tennis player, venture capital investor and Ohanian’s wife; former NBA All-Star and now tech entrepreneur Baron Davis; Peter Smith, CEO of Blockchain; and entertainer Pitbull. More from the Miami Herald.
Suncreen Film Festival brings movie screenings, productions to Tampa Bay
When Tony Armer founded the Sunscreen Film Festival along with friend Derek Miner, he did so to bring independent cinema to Tampa Bay screens. But, as the annual film festival prepares to kick off its 17th year on April 28, Armer said the event has impacted the area in another, unplanned way. Sunscreen has brought independent film productions to Pinellas County, where it is headquartered. Out-of-town filmmakers attend the festival, fall in love with Pinellas and return to shoot a movie or web series. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Tech Trends
Building designers create panels that resemble stone, brick or marble with a versatile lightweight concrete
In the last few years, Jacksonville-based prefabricated concrete company Gate Precast has experimented with a versatile lightweight architectural concrete layer. Designers can create concrete panels that resemble natural materials such as stone, brick or marble, but they can also create one-of-a-kind building facades, such as the 45-story One South First building in Domino Park in Brooklyn, N.Y.
» More from Florida Trend.
Businness Profile
No cane, no gain: Niche fashion company sticks it to the competition
Canes aren’t just for injured and disabled people anymore. Judging by the sheer quantity and variety of canes shipped out by Fashionable Inc., a Largo-based maker and distributor of stylish canes and hats, they’re becoming popular choices for gifts and fashion accessories in their own right — regardless of whether the recipient needs one for mobility or stability. Founded by Stephen Carroll in 1999 while a student at Florida State University, Fashionable Inc.’s Fashionable Canes brand offers more than 1,000 styles of canes, many of them custom-designed by Stephen, 44, and his wife, Elizabeth, 40.
» Read more from the Business Observer.