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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
COVID pandemic slashed return on Florida tourism marketing efforts, report says
Visit Florida saw its return on investment fall to 58 cents for every $1 spent on marketing as COVID-19 slammed the doors on the state’s tourism industry, according to a new analysis by state economists. But with tourists back at beaches, theme parks and other attractions, the analysis projects that Visit Florida’s economic return will rebound to pre-pandemic levels. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida among nation's leaders in app-based workforce
Florida has the nation's second-highest share of its workforce engaging in app-based work. App-based workers make up 6.4% of Florida's workforce, behind D.C. where drivers or couriers make up 9% of labor. The overall U.S. rate is 4.3%. App-based work offers a flexible way to earn a living or just make an extra buck — but many such workers are fighting for better pay, benefits and more. [Source: Axios]
How much do you need to make to be considered middle-class in Florida?
Memories of higher inflation and the economic effects of the pandemic are still fresh in the minds of many, leaving some Floridians to wonder where their economic situation stands compared to the rest of America. In Florida, the minimum annual income required in 2023 for a family of four to be middle-class was $67,835, according to ConsumerAffairs. [Source: WTSP]
How recreational marijuana would change Florida cannabis industry if approved by voters
The proposed amendment would allow people 21 years or older "to possess, purchase or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion or otherwise," and it would permit medical marijuana treatment centers and other state licensed entities "to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell and distribute such products and accessories." More from WPTV and WPLG.
See also:
» Abortion, marijuana ballot measures may boost Florida voter turnout
Gov. DeSantis signs bipartisan bill adding safeguards against moving company scams
Gov. Ron DeSantis has quietly signed a bipartisan bill designed to keep moving companies and the businesses that link them with customers from price-gouging. The measure (SB 304), which lawmakers unanimously approved this year, increases documentation requirements and prohibits moving businesses from withholding people’s possessions for excessive payments. [Source: Florida Politics]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› ‘Orlando for Peace’ raises money for World Central Kitchen
In the wake of a deadly airstrike that killed seven of its aid workers in Gaza, a fundraiser benefiting celebrity chef José Andrés' World Central Kitchen has been organized by TastyChomps’ Ricky Ly. Members of Orlando’s larger culinary community are signing on to help and more are welcome to join.
› Flush with reserves, Manatee County looks to address infrastructure needed for growth
Flush with $931.5 million in available cash to spend, Manatee County commissioners are looking for ways to spend reserves as budget planning begins. Manatee County injected $52.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds into its general fund last year, and commissioners met on Tuesday for their first budget workshop of the year to size up the impact of that maneuver and analyze the county's financial standing headed into the 2024-25 budget planning season.
› How a viral ad campaign and ‘draconian’ crackdown changed Miami Beach spring break
For years, Miami Beach officials had tried to get the word out: Spring breakers, go somewhere else. A slew of measures put in place this year, including a viral ad campaign, appears to have turned the tides: Last month, there were no shootings related to spring break. Citywide arrest numbers were down by 8%, and police said they seized fewer than 70 guns after seizing more than 100 last year.
› Did Tampa Bay’s James Beard Award semifinalist make it to the next round?
In January, it was announced that Webb’s City Cellar, a tasting room at Green Bench Brewing Co. in downtown St. Petersburg, was a semifinalist nominee for Outstanding Bar. The spot serves craft beer, cider and wine in a cellar-like space right next to Green Bench’s main brewery in the city’s Edge District. Unfortunately, it didn’t move to the next round.
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