Friday's Afternoon Update

Florida agriculture is facing an 'unprecedented financial strain'

Damages to farmers and ranchers from Hurricane Milton may double the statewide agricultural destruction from three other storms that pummeled Florida since August 2023, according to state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Wilton Simpson. Simpson estimated Milton caused between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion, on top of more than $1.5 billion in damages already sustained from hurricanes Idalia, Debby and Helene. More from the News Service of Florida.

Orlando Museum of Art director: ‘We should have been bankrupt’ but ‘It’s a new day’

Orlando Museum of Art director Cathryn Mattson is keenly aware the Loch Haven Park institution was close to the brink in January. “We should have been bankrupt and shut the doors,” she said. “But we’re not.” Less than a year after facing a projected deficit approaching $1 million, Mattson says things are on an upward trajectory thanks to a “lot of hard work.” “There’s so much positive energy,” she said. “It’s a new day for the museum.” More from the Orlando Sentinel.

City of Tallahassee not yet interested in buying, saving Railroad Square arts district

The future of Railroad Square, Tallahassee's quirky and beloved arts district, is as uncertain as ever, now that a local board decided not to immediately "save the Square." Railroad Square supporters filled the Tallahassee City Commission chambers to capacity and then some Thursday, many wearing pins saying "Revitalize your historic arts district" – signaling what they were hoping local government would finally accomplish. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.

Tropicana Field might not be fixed for 2025. Here's almost every option for Tampa Bay Rays

It's looking like the Tampa Bay Rays will have to find a new home after the Tropicana Field roof was ripped off by Hurricane Milton. Where could they play in 2025? A report by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times said access to the stadium has been severely restricted because of safety concerns, which includes the integrity of the structure holding the remnants of the Teflon-coated fiberglass roof in place. The report says the stadium likely will not be playable in time for the upcoming MLB season, set to begin at the end of March. More from The News-Press.

Tampa business owner looks to open one company, ends up buying an entire block

A Bay-area business owner says that when he set out to expand his company, he ended up with more than what he bargained for. Instead of getting a space for one business, Christopher Cunningham bought the whole block. It’s a trend he hopes will catch on, especially for minority-owned businesses. He says power tools, screws and hardware aren’t what he had in mind when he opened his water restoration business in Tampa. More from Bay News 9.

Business Beat - Week of October 18th

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