Court backs state in union dispute
A panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 ruling, overturned a dismissal of the department’s allegations against AFSCME Florida Council 79. The case involves information that the union mailed to state employees in 2020 after lawmakers approved a 3 percent pay increase in the state budget. After the raise took effect in October 2020, the union sent a postcard to state employees indicating they needed to approve the raise, according to the ruling Thursday by a panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida Trend Exclusive
AdventHealth's virtual RNs are helping battle nursing burnout
At AdventHealth Fish Memorial Hospital in Orange City, resignations peaked at 46% in January 2022 during the Omicron variant surge. Seeking to stabilize its workforce, the hospital’s emergency department launched a pilot program last April, adding virtual RNs in 14 of the emergency department’s 37 beds to help with a variety of tasks and reduce the workload on the bedside nurses. Tasks performed by the remote nurse range from documenting the patient’s medical history to compiling accurate lists of the medications the patient is taking. With that assistance, bedside nurses have more time to spend administering medications, changing wound dressings and performing other hands-on tasks. [Source: Florida Trend]
2023 tax credits for electric vehicles will boost their appeal
But a complex web of requirements, including where vehicles and batteries must be manufactured to qualify, is casting doubt on whether anyone can receive the full $7,500 credit. For at least the first two months of 2023, though, a delay in the Treasury Department’s rules for the new benefit will likely make the full credit temporarily available to consumers who meet certain income and price limits. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Jacksonville City Council plans to take action, address Confederate monuments
“I am confident that at the turn of the year there will be some movement, and there are some conversations and maybe legislation passed to handle this discussion of Confederate monuments,” Jacksonville City Council President Terrance Freeman said. In June 2020, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry ordered the statue of a Confederate soldier to be removed from James Weldon Johnson Park in front of City Hall and also promised that all Confederate statues and markers in the city would be removed from public property. [Source: WJXT]
Northwest Florida businesses try 4-day workweek
At Pensacola Imports, owner Fred Angeles and his team work ten hours a day; but only four days a week. Angeles says the short week hasn't hurt business, or the bottom line. "I can make the same money, if not more, and I found I was much more productive. When I found that out, I was like wow this is a no-brainer, do it," Fred remarked. With companies finding it tougher than ever to limit attrition, a four-day workweek goes a long way to sweeten the pot. [Source: WEAR]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Space Tech 3D-printing satellites to bring SWFL into the space business
A Southwest Florida tech company is preparing to launch itself and the local economy into space in 2023 using 3D-printed satellites. Space Tech founder Wil Glaser set his sights sky-high, hoping what is now just a model rocket will carry his company into the future.
› To improve healthcare, Florida lawmakers should let affordability, choice be their guide
Running a successful business is challenging under the best circumstances. But, over the past few years, Florida business owners have faced unprecedented obstacles, and Hispanic businesses have been disproportionately affected. Florida policymakers must address rising costs as business owners, their employees and their customers struggle with high inflation. This includes addressing the rising cost of healthcare coverage.
› New property insurance legislation to take effect Jan. 1 in Florida
The changes were made, in part, because of the recent hurricanes. After Hurricane Ian slammed the Sunshine State, dealing between $50 billion and $65 billion in estimated damage, Florida’s already troubled property insurance market was pinched even more.
› Downtown St. Cloud sees boost in business as construction nears completion
Roadways in downtown St. Cloud that were closed for construction are starting to reopen. The city’s latest timeline shows the majority of the road reopened this month.
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› Tampa Bay real estate raked in billions this year. Check out the top sales
2022 was a lucrative year for commercial real estate in the Tampa Bay area. The Tampa Bay Times reviewed property records from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties and found that the 20 highest grossing sales brought in a cumulative total of more than $2 billion.
› Community Impact Heroes: Orlando YIMBY to influence region's growth toward more, dense housing
YIMBY stands for Yes In My Backyard, which is in contrast to NIMBY, which stands for Not In My Backyard. As Central Florida grows, Orlando YIMBY aims to be at the table to push for the creation of more plentiful and dense housing.
› Fireworks stands expect sales impact amid inflation, economy concerns
Now that the gifts are unwrapped, it is time to load up on the next holiday treat: fireworks. “For New Year’s Eve, the big day is the 30th and the 31st. They blow the doors off,” said Craig LaFleur, owner of Pyrospot Fireworks in Longwood.
› Zoo Miami introduces newborn addax over Christmas weekend
Zoo Miami has welcomed an addax to the world. He took his first steps in his habitat with his mom and stayed close to her side. The white antelope was born on Dec. 20 and was introduced to the public over Christmas weekend.