There's a long way to go, but the Florida economy and COVID-19 outlook are improving
Florida was one of the first states to reopen after the sudden shutdown to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the early weeks of the pandemic. More than a year later, the balance between the need for economic activity and public health protections remains as charged as it did then. For the virus and the Florida economy — things have improved compared to what we’ve experienced, but the recovery from the coronavirus and its economic consequences are far from complete. [Source: WLRN]
Florida only state to not submit plan for COVID funds; US Department of Education wants to know why
The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran Monday asking why his agency hasn't submitted a plan for $7 billion in federal aid for local schools. The state received the first two-thirds of the money, but failed to provide a plan by the June 1 deadline and also blew past July and August submission timelines after talking with state Department of Education staff. Upon approval of the plan, the state would receive the remaining $2.3 billion. Florida the only state that hasn't filed a plan for that money. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Challenges and opportunities part of mix for Florida blueberry industry
While new trade agreements like USMCA and last year’s unsuccessful Section 201 investigation have not gone in Florida blueberry growers’ favor, the industry is resilient. The good news is this past season was a relatively good one. Hopefully that parlays into another successful season in 2022. [Source: Growing Produce]
NASA chief Nelson says private space industry boosts Florida more than Apollo did
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said Friday the dramatic rise in private sector space launches is having a bigger impact on the state than prior programs, even the Apollo moon shots. “Apollo had very specific things, primarily in the area of Cape Canaveral,” Nelson said after addressing the Economic Club of Florida at the Florida State University Alumni Center. “Now, you’re seeing this industry and all of its suppliers as the activity increases at the cape. You’re seeing that activity all over the state to the point that if you add it all up, it’s about a $4 billion a year impact in the state of Florida just from the space business.” [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Sowell to exit top job at Enterprise Florida
Enterprise Florida President and CEO Jamal Sowell will step down as the leader of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ business-recruitment efforts this month to prepare for specialized training with the U.S. Navy Reserve. No interim or permanent replacement had been named as of Monday morning. Christina Pushaw, a spokeswoman for DeSantis, called Sowell “indispensable” in making Florida “the beacon of opportunity and prosperity for the entire country.” [Source: News Service of Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tropical system could form off Florida coast but odds are decreasing, experts say
Forecasters are monitoring a system near the southeastern Bahamas for potential development, which could take place anywhere from the eastern Caribbean islands to offshore of Florida’s east coast up to the Carolinas. It is expected to move west-northwest through the weekend in the general direction of Florida and the U.S. East Coast. Experts at the National Hurricane Center said there’s a chance the system could slowly develop this week, if it can overcome storm-shredding wind shear present in the area.
› Bradenton company puts its game face on with promotion of new CEO
Game On Nation, a media training and leadership development firm in Bradenton, recently named Blair Bloomston as the new CEO. Bloomston, who stepped into the role in September, is a nationally recognized speaker, leader and expert on gamification in learning development, according to the press release. It says she brings executive experience to the role and a passion for developing workforce engagement.
› JAXPORT CEO Green named one of Florida’s top business leaders
Florida Trend has named JAXPORT CEO Eric Green one of the state’s most influential business leaders for the fourth year in a row. As one of the publication’s Florida 500 honorees, Green is recognized as a transportation industry leader focused on growing JAXPORT’s impact on Florida’s economy. Cargo activity through Jacksonville’s seaport generates 138,500 jobs in Florida and more than $31 billion in annual economic output for the region and state.
› Publix to hire 30,000 associates in fourth quarter of 2021
Publix plans to hire approximately 30,000 associates across the company’s seven-state operating area through the remainder of the year. The company will hire associates to work in stores, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities for nonseasonal positions. “As we continue to grow, having a dedicated team ready to meet our needs is vitally important,” said Publix Vice President of Human Resources Marcy Benton.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Insurers expanding franchises, options in Florida
Two insurance companies announced expansions in Florida last week. Jacksonville-based We Insure Inc., an independent insurance franchise company, said it had opened the We Insure John Douglas Insurance agency in Panama City. The firm offers a range of property, auto and business insurance, including homeowners and workers’ compensation. Zach Messer is the local agent in charge. We Insure says it is a national insurance company with a special focus on customer service and agent support.
› This is the hottest office building in Miami. And it’s not even finished yet
A Miami address is drawing a lot of attention lately — 830 Brickell Plaza. The under-construction 55-story office tower — loaded with state-of-the-art amenities and building health systems — already is signing up big-name tenants, including Microsoft, WeWork, Thoma Bravo and CI Financial, with more to come ahead of its opening next year.
› Ed Burr named ULI North Florida’s 2021 Visionary Leader
The Urban Land Institute of North Florida announced Sept. 30 it will recognize GreenPointe Holdings LLC President and CEO Ed Burr as its 2021 Visionary Leader. “Ed has demonstrated outstanding leadership and best practices in developing thriving residential and mixed-use communities throughout Florida,” said Lori Boyer, CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority and the District Council’s 2019 Visionary Leader, in the news release.
› Thunderbirds fly into Central Florida this month for Orlando Air and Space Show
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the F-18 Super Hornet and V-22 Osprey are among aircraft taking to the skies of Central Florida this month as the Orlando Air and Space Show returns. Back for its second year, the show will draw thousands of aviation fans to the Orlando Sanford International Airport for a weekend of flying and static displays Oct. 16-17.