March 28, 2024

Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/20/2023

Home prices, job losses: 4 predictions for Florida’s economy in 2023

It is the interest of the Florida Chamber of Commerce to advocate for keeping the state open for business, to keep people coming here and living here and spending as much money as possible. But even a group like the chamber knows it might have its work cut out for it in 2023. At the chamber’s annual Florida Economic Outlook and Jobs Solution Summit on Jan. 12, a virtual slate of financial experts, housing officials and workforce leaders discussed how a recession could impact the Sunshine State this year, as the Federal Reserve weighs further increasing interest rates to slow down inflation. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Malfunctioning Fort Lauderdale rail bridge underscores urgency for river crossing upgrade

The suspension of Brightline service in Fort Lauderdale exposed weakness in South Florida's rail infrastructure as a massive drawbridge spanning the New River in the city's downtown malfunctioned, diverting hundreds of commuters and tying up marine traffic. As expansion of rail service looms in the region, what must be done to modernize the system? More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Pinellas considers clean-energy loan program to entice affordable housing

In a bid to attract developers for affordable housing, Pinellas County could expand a program meant to encourage builders to invest in energy-saving features or ones that improve resiliency to climate change. County commissioners on Thursday directed staff to bring back more information on possible changes to its Property Assessed Clean Energy program. It currently allows companies to finance upgrades like efficient air conditioning and solar panels through an assessment on annual property tax bills rather than a conventional loan. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Surfside mayor quietly met in Dubai with developer of Champlain Towers South site

Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger traveled to Dubai late last year to meet with the developer hoping to bring ultra-luxury condos to the site of the Champlain Towers South collapse, an unusual trip for a small-town mayor that several town officials and victims’ family members said they knew nothing about. More from the Miami Herald.

Orlando Museum of Art placed on probation but gets high-level support

In an uncommon move, Orlando Museum of Art has been placed on probation by a national accrediting organization in more fallout from last summer’s FBI’s seizure of works attributed to Jean-Michel Basquiat. But in other ways, things are looking up for the museum. Two new exhibits, each with significant contemporary resonance, are filling the halls. And the museum has received very public signs of support from friends in high places. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Another celebration decades in the making!

At the recent 10-year celebration of Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida in Orlando, an inaugural award was unveiled —The Robert D. Bridges “Elevating Children’s Health” Award. Fittingly, its first recipient was Robert D. Bridges, CPA, Executive Vice President, Chief Executive of Florida Operations, who will retire from Nemours Children’s at the end of 2022 after 24 years of service. The award will be bestowed annually to a community champion who shares Bridges’ vision and passion for pediatric well-being. [ Sponsored report]

Best Companies to Work For in Florida
Right Management | No. 27 Best Small Company
Maureen Shea, co-founder and CEO of Right Management, an independent franchise of Manpower Group, says her company’s been fortunate to experience low turnover in recent months — but her clients have seen plenty. Find out how your company rates in Best Companies To Work For In Florida.

» Register at BestCompaniesFLA.com through Feb. 17!

Business BeatBusiness Beat - Week of January 20th

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

 

Profile
St. Petersburg native leads Swedish builder's parks projects

While it may seem like hyperbole to say this, the reality is that as the next several generations of Tampa Bay residents visit area parks in the coming years, and reap the benefits of growth in the area, they’ll have one company in particular to thank for the work. That company is Skanska USA, whose Tampa office is behind the construction of several of the largest public projects in the area, projects that are, or are expected to be, major catalysts for economic growth.

» Read more from the Business Observer.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

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.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should Congress ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S.?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Need more details
  • What is TikTok?
  • Other (Comment below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2024 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.