Florida jobless claims remain low amid headwinds

Despite concerns about inflation and other global economic pressures, Florida continues to see relatively few new unemployment claims. Florida had an estimated 5,393 first-time jobless claims last week, up from a revised count of 3,698 during the week that ended May 28, according to a U.S. Department of Labor report issued Thursday. Those numbers are similar to the pace of unemployment claims before the COVID-19 pandemic caused massive economic damage in 2020. [Source: News Service of Florida]

Business Beat - Week of June 10th

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Hospitals unable to meet undocumented patient data demand from Gov. DeSantis

Some Florida hospitals are struggling to meet a demand from the governor's office for information on undocumented patients they treat. In September 2021, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order requiring the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to begin collecting data from hospitals on the amount of money spent on caring for undocumented immigrants. The problem? Most health care facilities don’t question patients about their immigration status before treating those in need. [Source: Gainesville Sun]

‘An experience you will never forget’: Florida foodies eagerly await Michelin Stars

Florida is famous for lots of wonderful and unique things — most notably, beautiful beaches, entertaining theme parks, and ultra-cool nightlife in Miami. But chefs and foodies around the Sunshine State have waited years to add another highlight to the list: fine dining. This spring, the state’s restaurant scene will reach new heights when it launches Florida’s first-ever Michelin Guide, which will review and award its coveted stars to restaurants in Miami, Tampa and Orlando. [Source: Florida Politics]

Two Florida cities could host World Cup matches, bring millions to local economies

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the bulk of matches occurring on American soil. Of the seventeen venues left in contention to be used in the tournament, Florida is home to two: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Early estimations suggest that the use of the cities could stimulate the local economies to the tune of millions of dollars per game when hotel revenue, food service, and outside local attractions are accounted for. [Source: The Capitolist]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Want to buy a car in Orlando? Be patient and open your wallet wide [Orlando Sentinel]
There’s likely still a long road ahead for Central Florida car shoppers who have been dealing with barren dealer lots and higher prices for more than a year. “The end in sight isn’t in sight,” said Matt Sadelfeld, owner of Simple Car Buying in Ocoee, which helps people buy vehicles similar to how a real estate agent works with a homebuyer. “There’s a tremendous shortage of cars, new and pre-owned. New car manufacturers can’t get cars in fast enough, so their lots are empty.”

› Jacksonville International Tradeport portfolio sells for at least $91.3 million [Jacksonville Daily Record]
Link Logistics Real Estate LLC of New York sold an eight-building industrial portfolio in North Jacksonville to Lincoln Property Co. for at least $91.32 million, according to deeds recorded June 7 with the Duval County Clerk of Courts. The five deeds were executed June 2. Link Logistics Chief Administrative Officer Sonya Huffman signed the deeds. The recorded deeds do not appear to include three of the buildings, so the total purchase could be higher.

› St. Petersburg employees on track to get up to $500 a month in rental assistance [Tampa Bay Times]
City employees bound to a union rule to live within city limits could get up to an extra $500 in their paychecks to help offset rising rental costs by as soon as October. There are 246 employees under a residency requirement due to a rule the worker’s union sought in the 1990s. The city at the time seldom hired Black residents, instead employing older white workers who lived outside of city limits. The rule was meant to promote hiring more people who lived within city boundaries, creating greater opportunity for minorities to land a city job.

› With more new residents every year, Seminole plans for growth through 2045 [Orlando Sentinel]
Over the past two decades, Seminole County has transformed itself from a bedroom community for workers who traveled to Orange County for their jobs into an economic region with nationally known companies, a fast-growing international airport, new sports facilities and an expanding trail network. Today, nearly 60% of Seminole residents work in their county, mostly at employment centers along the county’s spine of the Interstate 4 corridor, according to a recent survey.

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› Naples-based Dragon Horse Agency expands with new LA office [Florida Weekly]
Dragon Horse Agency, an award-winning business marketing agency launched in Naples in 2015 by co-founders Julie Koester and Patrick Blake Renda, has announced its expansion to the west coast. The rapid growth in the firm’s diversity of clientele and the range of creativity required to support them at the highest levels drove the decision to launch a new office in Los Angeles, California.

› Miami-Dade mayor proposes looser zoning to allow houses closer together, prevent sprawl [Miami Herald]
In a fight to prevent the suburbs from expanding closer to the Everglades, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released a plan this week to loosen zoning rules and make it easier to fit more houses onto smaller lots. Under current zoning rules, Miami-Dade planners say builders will run out of land available for new single-family homes by 2025.  

› Kroger delivery now available in South Florida [Winsight Grocery Business]
Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. announced June 8 the addition of a new "spoke" facility in Miami, Fla., and that Kroger Delivery is now available in South Florida. The grocery retailer said the 60,000-square-foot facility will employ up to 200 associates and will collaborate with the fulfillment hub in Groveland, Fla., and serve as a last-mile cross-dock location allowing the fulfillment network to reach customers in South Florida.

› Sarasota IT firm expands through new majority investment [Business Observer]
Gulfcoast IT LLC in Venice has found itself with a new majority investment all thanks to its client-first mentality, which drew in interest from a Sarasota-based IT firm looking to grow. Financial terms of the investment weren't disclosed. Four Winds Technology Group, a firm that provides technical and strategic solutions to middle market companies, announced the investment as being in line with its strategy of acquiring technology companies.