Wednesday s Afternoon Update | 12/16/2020
Florida restaurants and retailers adapt to an online, takeout world accelerated by the pandemic
Retailers and restaurants fighting to survive are moving more to online sales, delivery and takeout, trends accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic. But that hasn’t stopped thousands of businesses from shutting down for good, taking millions of jobs with them. Consumer behavior has changed in many ways during the pandemic and some of those new habits are going to persist. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida might shut down bay known nationally for its oysters
Because of a dwindling oyster population, a Florida agency is expected to shut down oyster harvesting in Apalachicola Bay through the end of 2025, dealing a blow to an area that historically produced 90% of the state s oysters and 10% of the nation s. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is scheduled to vote on the closure Wednesday during a virtual meeting. People
St. Pete Beach resort TradeWinds finishes $15 million in renovations
The renovations have been completed under the resortâs new owners, 1754 Properties.
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The TradeWinds resort s lobby has been renovated but still includes its signature 20-foot palm trees. [ TradeWinds ]
Updated Dec. 16, 2020
ST. PETE BEACH â TradeWinds Island Grand and Rum Beach Resort have completed $15 million in renovations to their guest rooms, lobbies and meeting spaces.
The twin hotels, which share a sprawling beachfront expanse on Gulf Boulevard, were acquired by Coral Gables-based 1754 Properties last year. New owner Joe Smith said that, despite the pandemic, he wanted to continue with planned investments in the properties.