Florida dominates list for self-employed workers, study found
How do you feel about being your own boss? It seems like Floridians seem to like the idea. A new study found that the number of self-employed workers is on the rise based on data from the US Census Bureau. The rankings for the cities with the most self-employed workers were: Hialeah, Florida; Miami, Florida; Hollywood, Florida; Cape Coral, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Scottsdale, Arizona; Glendale, California; Port St. Lucie, Florida; Huntington Beach, California; and, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. [Source: KTVZ]
Wildfire threat grows as Florida drought gets steadily worse
The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center reported Thursday that 55% of Florida is in the severe to extreme drought category, with most of the rest of the state listed as “abnormally dry.” The driest conditions are in southwest Florida, the same region hammered by Hurricane Ian in September. “When you look at a drought map of the state of Florida, you have very dry conditions all across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, whose agency includes the Florida Forest Service. “We’ve had numerous fires already.” [Source: WGCU]
Tupperware warns it could be out of business soon
The Osceola County-based company said it won’t have enough cash to fund its operations if it doesn’t secure additional money. The company said it is exploring potential layoffs, and it’s reviewing its real estate portfolio for potential money-saving efforts. In 2019, Tupperware said it employed about 300 people at its headquarters in Central Florida, but in a February 2020 statement that number had fallen to about 250 people. Tupperware’s stock price was at about $1.26 Monday afternoon, plunging nearly 50% from $2.41 from Thursday’s close. More from the Orlando Sentinel and CNN..
Expert: Rise in court filings after Florida tort law reform not expected to last
A new change to Florida's tort laws caused an uptick in local civil case filings — but experts say they don't expect that momentum to last long. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the tort law reform on March. 24. DeSantis in prepared remarks said at the time the new law focuses on reducing "frivolous" lawsuits and adding protections for property owners. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]
3 Florida communities make top 10 list of best coastal small towns in US
Maybe it has something to do with the letter S? Three Florida towns — all three starting with the letter S — were included in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards list of the 10 best coastal small towns in the U.S. for 2023. The towns selected were Stuart, Sanibel Island and St. Augustine. [Source: Gainesville Sun]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› JinkoSolar seeks incentive for $52 million expansion in West Jacksonville
Solar panel manufacturer JinkoSolar proposes to invest more than $52 million in its Cecil Commerce Center plant and create 250 jobs if the city agrees to a grant of $2.3 million over 10 years. The city Office of Economic Development intends to ask the Mayor’s Budget Review Committee on April 10 for approval to introduce legislation for the deal April 25 with Jacksonville City Council.
› 5 things happening at Port Canaveral, including $38M project, shifting cruise ships
Port Canaveral is embarking on a major cargo berth project and is trying to solve the issue of parking congestion for its cruise passengers. Meanwhile, the port's cruise ship lineup is changing, as cruise lines shift to summer itineraries. Here are five things going on at Brevard County's seaport, which now holds the claim of being the world's busiest cruise port.
› Less than a week left to legally block bats from your Florida home before maternity season
If you’ve lived in Florida long enough, you know that critters are just part of the equation. From raccoons and birds of all kinds to gopher tortoises, gators and bats. Living in the Sunshine State means sharing our habitat. But the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shared an important reminder that April 15 -- this Saturday -- marks the start of bat maternity season in Florida.
› Tampa’s Edition named among best new hotels in the world
Travel + Leisure announced its 18th annual “It List” of the best new and renovated hotels, and Tampa’s new Edition made this year’s list along with luxury resorts across the globe. Tampa’s first five-star hotel is the jewel of Water Street Tampa, the $3.5 billion downtown development from Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and Bill Gates’ Cascade Investment. The opulent hotel had a grand opening party in October that brought out celebrities like Lenny Kravitz, who gave a private, VIP-only concert at Amalie Arena.
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› Judge rips Boca politicians, opens way for beachfront home project
A federal judge has ruled the owner of beachfront property in Boca Raton has the right to build a home on his land, and that the mayor and two city council members were predisposed to block him from doing it. In an order that potentially carries broad consequences for a city that has long sought to keep its shoreline free of development, U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith of Fort Lauderdale said the city should reconsider its 2019 decision to deny Natural Lands LLC a permit to build a home at 2500 N. Ocean Blvd.
› Alachua County strives to improve youth literacy rates
When it comes to youth literacy rates in Alachua County, the overall numbers appear promising. According to USNews.com, 56% of elementary students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, a number that ranks high up on the list of counties in Florida. However, there is a massive internal issue that is often overlooked; There is a significant reading gap between white and Black students in Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS).
› Winter Park Commission to meet on uses for old library site — again
The Winter Park City Commission plans to have a workshop tied to its old library space. Commissioners will meet on April 13 to consider options for the three-story, 35,000-square-foot site at 460 E. New England Avenue. A recent effort by the local offices of Birmingham-based Harbert Realty Services — the lone response to a city request for proposals — attempted to negotiate with the city to lease the space to convert it to coworking space and ground level wellness concepts, but the two parties did not reach an agreement.
› Florida Orchestra’s 2023-24 season shines light on American composers
American music is on the lineup for The Florida Orchestra’s 2023-24 season. Music director Michael Francis was inspired by the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” so he programmed a season that highlights American composers together with masterpieces from heavyweights including Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Mozart.