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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Glimpses of optimism for Florida's homeowner's insurance market
For the first time in years there may be some small amounts of optimism about homeowners insurance in Florida. Experts say there are no signs that prices will relax dramatically, but they say it appears the market is stabilizing, which could lead to some easing in 2024. Lisa Miller, with Lisa Miller Associates, is Florida’s former deputy insurance commissioner under Gov. Ron DeSantis. “The insurance companies that have taken a pause, they are watching,"Miller said. "They see things improving, and I think they will be coming back sooner rather than later." [Source: Bay News 9]
Business Beat - Week of August 25th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Jobless claims down for third week
Unemployment claims in Florida decreased for the third week in a row, after the jobless rate ticked up in July. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 5,492 first-time unemployment claims were filed in Florida last week, down from 5,754 during the week that ended Aug. 12. Over the past four weeks, the state has averaged 6,039 initial claims, with a high of 6,659 during the week that ended July 29. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Storm system could develop in Gulf of Mexico by next week, forecasters say
Forecasters anticipate the system, originating from the East Pacific coast of Central America, will move into the northwestern Caribbean this weekend or early next week, the hurricane center said in a Thursday evening update. After that, the system could develop into a tropical depression while curling slowly north into the eastern Gulf of Mexico. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida is spending $61.6 million to bulletproof Capitol windows
The Florida Legislature is spending millions of dollars beefing up security at the Capitol Complex with expensive bulletproof windows while also making it easier for people to carry weapons into those state buildings. The Legislature approved a $61.6 million window replacement project as part of a larger renovation of the Capitol. The 50-year-old leaking windows are being replaced along with the removal of the rusted metal louvers covering them. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Could Tampa’s real estate market be hurt by the ‘office apocalypse?’
The explosion of remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic has stoked fears of a potential “office apocalypse,” with companies canceling leases, landlords defaulting on loans and downtowns becoming ghost towns. As cities across the country struggle to find a path forward, Tampa’s office market may provide a glimmer of hope.
› Southwest Florida island getaway named best beach town in the nation
Sitting at the north end of Lee County, the tiny town of Boca Grande secured the crown of the best small beach town in the entire county. Travel website Travel and Leisure determined that the Southwest Florida town ranks the highest due to its lifestyle, where "Old Florida meets laid-back island living." The seven-mile-long barrier island in Charlotte Harbor sees thousands of tourists each year.
› Major makeover in the works for Key West’s iconic sunset spot. There’s one reason why
Mallory Square, the most famous sunset viewing spot in Key West and all of the Florida Keys, is in line for a major makeover. The reason: The empty concrete expanse is just too damn hot for much of the day, a problem that climate change is only going to make worse. In fact, the only time visitors turn out in numbers at the waterfront site is at sunset — for the postcard views and an equally colorful collection of performers that typically include jugglers twirling fire, acrobats walking tightropes and cats jumping through hoops.
› Tennessee health organization expands into Florida with 10 locations
A Tennessee-based primary health care organization recently expanded into Florida with 10 centers planned to open this year. The first ArchWell Health center opened in Venice off Tamiami Trail South. The organization has grand openings planned for centers in Bradenton, Sarasota, New Port Richey, Holiday, St. Petersburg, Dunedin and Clearwater.
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