March 28, 2024

Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/6/2023

Florida's jobless claims down during holidays

Unemployment claims in Florida decreased during the year-end holiday period. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday released a report that said an estimated 4,064 claims were filed in Florida during the week that ended Dec. 31, down from a revised count of 4,579 during the week that ended Dec. 24. The state averaged 5,641 claims during the previous four weeks. Jobless claims have traditionally slowed across the year-end holidays. More from the News Service of Florida.

Manatee deaths in Florida decline but starvation concerns remain high

Florida wildlife officials have released new details about the manatee population in Florida. State wildlife leaders said they saw an uptick in calls for distressed or dead manatees around Christmas time. The big cold snap we saw around that time is being blamed for the issues on the manatee population. Officials said nearly 800 manatees died in Florida in 2022. More from WFTV.

Coconut Grove residential market comes down to earth

As the pace of development seems destined to decrease over the next 12 months, realtors are seeing a normalization in the Coconut Grove residential market, holding high prices and low inventory. Increased demand and low inventory caused by the heightened migration of people from other states and companies opening businesses or making Miami its headquarters caused a boom in pricing, but “the truth is that when you look at the top markets – New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles – we’re still below in terms of home prices and prices per square foot,” said Christine Martinez de Castro, director of sales and marketing at real estate developer CMC Group. More from Miami Today.

Plan for SunRail airport link to Universal, I-Drive takes big step forward

The push for passenger rail that could link Orlando International Airport, SunRail commuter train, Orange County Convention Center, Universal Orlando Resort and the International Drive tourism district as soon as 2030 launched into reality Thursday with a formal move to create an entity that would underwrite a big chunk of the project. Universal Orlando Resort filed an application with Orange County to form a quasi-governmental body known as a community development district. Called a CDD, they typically are applied to residential developments where homeowners are assessed fees for community improvements. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Tampa International Airport’s famed flamingo finally has a name

After more than 65,000 entries and 37,000 votes from around the world, the 21-foot flamingo sculpture at Tampa International Airport finally has a name: Phoebe. The winning submission for the pink behemoth came from 63-year-old retired educator Bryan M., the airport announced late Thursday morning. Tampa International Airport launched the contest to name the bird, a beloved mascot for travelers passing through the main terminal, in November and revealed the three finalist names — Cora, Finn and Phoebe — on Dec. 30 for a public vote. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Business BeatBusiness Beat - Week of January 6th

Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.

 

 

Florida Dining
Downtown Sarasota beer shop, bar named one of the best in the U.S.

A national publication recently named a Sarasota establishment one of the best beer shops in the country. Wine Enthusiast magazine included 99 Bottles on its list of The Best Beer Shops in the U.S., According to Pros. It was one of only two Florida establishments on the list, which was determined by speaking with dozens of brewers, writers, social media enthusiasts, chefs and drinkers, according to the publication.

» Read more from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

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Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

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