Florida stores are cutting prices as the economy reopens, but watch for hikes in gas and food
As consumers emerge from their homes and try to shake off the psychological effects of the coronavirus lockdown, businesses hope customers will return to the malls, stores and restaurants, open their wallets and start buying again. Massive unemployment has blitzed the state and national workforces, making households cautious about spending and driving up savings rates. Fear still grips many still in the workforce amid the belief that they, too, could lose their jobs, particularly if a second wave of the virus strikes. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
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» Florida gas prices headed up
Florida reports more than 1,000 coronavirus cases for the fifth day in a row
For the fifth day in a row, the number of positive coronavirus cases reported by the state has increased by more than 1,000 people — a disturbing trend that Florida hasn’t seen since early April when the respiratory infection was at its peak. According to Sunday’s updated tally, 63,938 people in the state have tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory infection caused by the coronavirus. That’s an increase of 1,180 new cases over Saturday’s numbers. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Report: Republicans could be zeroing in on Jacksonville for national convention
The eyes of the nation could be on Jacksonville in late August. Republican officials are "zeroing in on Jacksonville" as a potential host for the Republican National Convention after President Trump announced he would be pulling the event out of Charlotte because the state of North Carolina will not guarantee the ability to host a full event due to COVID-19. More from WBNS and the New York Times.
Even with the green light, Florida movie theaters are unsure when they’ll reopen
From local nonprofit the Tampa Theatre to Regal Cinemas, movie houses aren’t sure when they will reopen their doors after shuttering due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Movie theaters, like malls have already done in the state, will likely install hand sanitizing stations, check employee temperatures and encourage customers to wear masks. But it’s hard to say how comfortable potential moviegoers will be sitting in a shared space amid the pandemic. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
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» Lights, camera, no action: Ocala theaters have no new movies
Enterprise Florida ramping up overseas trade effort
Enterprise Florida intends to ramp up marketing and business recruitment during the coming year to try to offset the state’s record job losses from the coronavirus pandemic. As it puts together a budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, the public-private economic development agency is also making an assumption that its employees will be able to go overseas by the final three months of 2020. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› In the Keys, testing for tourists and differing rules for masks
As the Keys ramp up its tourism economy, hotels are being encouraged to let guests know about COVID-19 tests with results in an hour at the local hospital, and local governments are modifying requirements for masks and temperature checks. Bars were allowed to reopen in the Keys on Friday, unlike the rest of South Florida. The county took down its checkpoint and allowed hotels to welcome back guests on June 1.
› How a St. Petersburg company with no history in medical supplies won a $10 million coronavirus contract
Fillakit LLC popped up May 1 with few public details on who was behind it. Its website is blank. The only name on its state registration paperwork is a St. Petersburg lawyer who specializes in real estate and estate planning. But by the end of its first week, Fillakit had won a $10.2 million contract from the federal government for swabs and other COVID-19 testing supplies.
› Shipping firm takes delivery of new vessel
Overseas Shipholding Group Inc. (NYSE: OSG), a Tampa-based transporter of crude oil and petroleum products, has taken delivery of a new 581-foot barge capable of transporting up to 204,000 barrels of oil. Dubbed OSG 24, the vessel, according to a press release, was built by Greenbrier Marine, a division of The Greenbrier Companies Inc., headquartered in Lake Oswego, Ore. It will be deployed in the Gulf of Mexico.
› Overhaul of Florida air-traffic control won’t cause major noise change, FAA says
Control of jetliners and other aircraft in Florida is slated to switch next year from radar and voice commands to a system relying on GPS and automated instructions for more precise landing and takeoff routes along narrower corridors. For residents of Central Florida wondering about noise near their homes from planes going to or leaving Orlando International Airport, Sanford’s airport and Orlando Executive Airport, the Federal Aviation Authority will conduct a public workshop online at 6 p.m. Monday and another June 12 at 3 p.m. to explain the proposed changes.
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› Florida restaurant received nearly $40k from anonymous donor to stay open
A Florida restaurant got more than a little help in the form of about $40,000 to help it stay open during the coronavirus pandemic. Bill’s Cafe in Naples got an assist from the donor, who wished to remain anonymous, and it helped the business carry through the months that Florida was under Gov. DeSantis’ safer-at-home order that forced restaurants to close their dining rooms.
› Gainesville restaurants use UF grad’s app for food pickup
Guests visit Embers Wood Grill for good food, wine and ambiance, said owner Ryan Todd. But for about six weeks, people were unable to eat inside the fine dining restaurant during the height of COVID-19 restrictions. “Less than 1% of our orders were to go before,” Todd said. “It’s just not what we sell. We sell the experience.” Phone lines became flooded with carryout orders.
› Ideal Aluminum of St. Augustine honored by Senate
Even for those who have been fortunate enough to avoid the physical difficulties of COVID-19 during the pandemic, the financial pain has been pretty widespread. For business owners like those at Ideal Aluminum in St. Augustine, this time is filled with difficult decisions about how to keep operations going while also taking extra precautions for the health and safety of workers.
› Invasive, toxic toads reemerge in South Florida
The giant toads -- commonly called Bufo toads or Cane toads -- are fat, palm-sized reptiles that secrete a poison toward the top of their heads. It's a toxic, milky substance that can irritate humans if it gets onto skin and kill dogs or cats if it's swallowed. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Cane toads breed year-round in standing water, streams, canals and ditches.