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One of Florida’s poorest counties is preparing for the new “Airglades” airport, a $300 million cargo hub that could transform its economy.Local leaders see the project as a generational opportunity, one that could bring more than 1,400 new, high-skilled jobs to their largely agricultural community at the edge of the Everglades. But to make good on its promise, the region’s educators will have to overcome some harsh realities.
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For the second month in a row the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island metro area led Southwest Florida in annual job growth over the 12 months ending in March, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, besting the statewide figure by almost a half percent. The Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island area lead the same category by itself for March and shared that distinction with the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area in February.
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With spring break in the rearview mirror, the cost of gasoline in Florida dropped an average of 12 cents a gallon over the past week despite increased global pressure on oil prices.
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The Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island metro area led southwest Florida in annual job growth over the 12 months ending in February, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, besting the statewide figure by almost a half percent. Total nonfarm payroll employment for the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island area grew by 2.7 percent year-over-year adding 4,500 jobs for a 173,700 employment total in that region.
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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.
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State regulators Tuesday approved a plan that will trim Florida Power & Light customers’ monthly bills because of lower-than-expected natural gas costs, while Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric Co. said they will seek similar reductions.Meanwhile, Duke and Tampa Electric separately filed proposals that would increase base electric rates from 2025 to 2027. The proposals will kickstart complicated months-long processes that will include the Florida Public Service Commission and representatives of consumers and business customers examining the details.
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Two Southwest Florida metropolitan areas -- Cape Coral-Fort Myers and Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island – tied for the region’s lead in job growth for the 12 months ending in January.Both areas reported 3.2 percent growth in total non-farm employment, with 9,600 and 5,400 jobs respectively. That’s compared to the overall state growth rate of 2.7 percent.
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The Fort Myers Beach recovery is well underway. Publisher Karen Moore recently got the latest updates at a gathering of local business owners and professionals.
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Dollar Tree swung to a surprise fourth-quarter loss and will close nearly 1,000 stores after the discount retailer slashed the value of a rival chain it acquired almost a decade ago.Dollar Tree plans to close about 600 Family Dollar stores in the first half of this year and 370 Family Dollar and 30 Dollar Tree stores over the next several years.
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Pointing to lower-than-expected costs of natural gas, Florida Power & Light on Wednesday asked state regulators to approve a proposal that would reduce customer bills in May.If approved by the Florida Public Service Commission, the reduction would come after FPL customers also will see bills trimmed in April because of the end of charges stemming from storm-related costs.