$15 minimum wage supporters in Florida are ‘ready to fight’ legislation that undercuts Amendment 2
Backers of raising Florida’s minimum wage to $15 per hour say they’re prepared for a fight if the Republican-controlled Legislature or business groups try to undercut Amendment 2. The amendment, which passed Tuesday night with the 61% supermajority needed to become law, raises the minimum wage to $10 in 2021 and then $1 a year until it reaches $15 in 2026. The current state minimum wage is $8.56. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
How wrong were Florida polls on Trump and Biden?
When the results of the state’s presidential election came Tuesday night, Donald Trump had beaten not just Joe Biden, not just his own 2016 performance, but also his standing in every major poll taken before Tuesday’s contest. Asked how the state’s polling fared across the board, the head of the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab did not equivocate. “This comes from a guy who does this,” said Michael Binder. “I think the word is ‘bad,’ and I think that puts it generously.” [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Where are the most remote jobs during the pandemic? Here’s how Florida ranks on a list
Remote, social distancing could be with us for a while if COVID-19 surges because the demand for remote jobs goes hand-in-hand, according to Moneypenny. According to a survey by the outsourced communication provider, Florida is the No. 1 state with the most remote jobs based on Moneypenny’s analysis of more than 71,000 remote jobs on Indeed, a remote job site. More from the Miami Herald and Moneypenny.
Tropical Storm Eta lashing South Florida with flooding rainfall, strong wind
Tropical Storm Eta is tracking near South Florida, where heavy rainfall, strong winds, storm surge and high surf are expected to continue on Monday. Eta made landfall in the Florida Keys at Lower Matecumbe Key on Sunday night at 11 p.m. EST. This is the 12th named storm to make landfall in the U.S. this hurricane season, and the first for the state of Florida. The center of Eta is now located just off the southwest coast of Florida. [Source: The Weather Channel]
Breaking the glass ceiling: Dr. Toba Niazi, leading pediatric neurosurgeon, wife and mother
Only one in 20 neurosurgeons is a woman, according to Women in Neurosurgery, a medical specialty organization affiliated with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Toba N. Niazi, a pediatric neurosurgeon and Medical Director of Neuro-Oncology Surgical Services at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, stands out as one of the pioneers breaking the glass ceiling for other women in the field of neurosurgery. During her 16-year career, Dr. Niazi has paved the way for other women in the field through her success as a leader in pediatric neurosurgery and serving as a mentor to other aspiring neurosurgeons. [Source: Nicklaus Children's Hospital]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Sarasota’s Van Wezel postpones Broadway and classical seasons
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall announced Friday that it is postponing its entire slate of Broadway musicals, classical music and dance programs because of the coronavirus pandemic
› Socially distanced justice at the Duval County Courthouse
Nearly 1 million people walked freely through front doors in 2019. Now, people are met on the steps and asked why they want to enter the building and only those with specific business are allowed to pass
›Winn Dixie will replace Earth Fare in Boynton Beach
A rebooted version of a familiar supermarket brand — let’s call it Winn Dixie Mach II — will open Nov. 11 at the site of the short-lived Earth Fare organic grocery in Boynton Beach.
›SeaWorld sets Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa festivities, adds ice skating for visitors
SeaWorld Orlando’s holiday plans for 2020 include a new Christmas-carol show, celebrations for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and theme-park visitors being able to ice skate at Bayside Stadium.
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› Sarasota County names director of transit system
Jane Grogg has been named director of Sarasota County Area Transit after serving in the role in an interim capacity since January.
› College of Central Florida hosting technology and management systems virtual chat
The College of Central Florida’s Business and Technology Department will host a free event about careers in information technology and management information systems.
› What’s next for Trump? Family business awaits his return
President Donald Trump’s tax records show signs of financial distress, he claims to have lost out on billions of dollars in income while in office and his eldest sons say the family business has forfeited dozens of potential deals across the globe.
› Jimmy Patronis Speaks at Florida Chamber’s Virtual Insurance Summit
State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis provided an overview of Florida’s insurance industry, outlined the need for COVID-19 business liability protections and more.