Florida jobless claims down
The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 5,760 initial unemployment claims were filed in Florida last week, down from a revised count of 6,299 claims during the week that ended Dec. 7. The estimate came a day before the Florida Department of Commerce will release a November unemployment report for the state. More from the News Service of Florida.
With days to go before Christmas, could Amazon strike affect your Florida deliveries?
Procrastinators take notice: Amazon workers began a strike Thursday morning, Dec. 19, as we enter the final shopping days before Christmas next week. Workers are striking at several locations around the United States as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters try to apply pressure on the online retailer by threatening to delay some of Amazon's package deliveries during one of the company's busiest times of the year. More from The St. Augustine Record.
Hardware 'disruption' cancels, delays TMH surgeries and procedures
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare has canceled surgeries and procedures after a “disruption” to the hospital’s hardware and phone systems. In a Thursday morning post on Facebook, the hospital noted it “has gone into standard downtime procedures” and “took immediate action to ensure the safety” of patients. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
Young activists are taking on a Florida agency in a climate lawsuit
A group of young people in Florida say they believe the state’s continued reliance on fossil fuels is a violation of their constitutional rights and are suing the state agency that regulates public utilities in the hopes of forcing the energy companies to transition toward renewable energy sources. The case is one in a string of lawsuits filed by kids and teenagers across the U.S. in recent years as climate activists turn to the courts for action. More from WFSU.
Fort Lauderdale resort completes $2 million spa renovation
The Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, announced the completion of its $2 million renovation on Dec. 16. The spa, located at 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., underwent a six-month upgrade that began in May, adding 2,000 square feet for a total of 9,000 square feet. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Science & Technology
UCF Limbitless Solutions featured in Franklin Institute's newest exhibit, Body Odyssey
The Franklin Institute’s all-new Body Odyssey exhibit showcases two bionic arms from UCF Limbitless Solutions, highlighting the fusion of wearable technology and artistic design. The sculptures will be on loan to the exhibit through 2029 and displayed in a gallery of technological innovation within the expansive new exhibit on the human body and its quest for balance and well-being.
» More from UCF News.
Theatre Arts
An FSU theatre pro hopes 'Wicked' will boost music theatre programs
“BFA programs are popping up everywhere I think because of shows like Wicked, because of shows like Hamilton. It’s a very exciting time for the art form,” says Lauren Haughton Gillis, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Music Theatre Director at Florida State University.
» Read more from WFSU.