In the news

On the legislative front: FRLA, our tourism partners, and our members have been working hard to defeat Senate Bill 2008, which would expand the approved uses of Florida’s Tourist Development Taxes and Convention Development Taxes, which were adopted by voter referendum for the promotion and marketing of tourism in Florida. In addition to member engagement,…

Restaurant Revitalization Fund to provide more than $28.6 billion in aid to restaurants Tallahassee, FL – Today, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law, which included the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The RRF is a critical tool for the survival and recovery of Florida’s restaurants which have been hardest hit…

Fifth Third Bank, National Association has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standard of ethical business practices, as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Today’s announcement marks the second time Fifth Third has been recognized by Ethisphere in the “banks” category. In 2021, 135 honorees were recognized…

“Ensuring that local seaports are not restricted in their ability to conduct business and create economic development opportunities remains our top priority.” – Michael Rubin, Vice President of Governmental Affairs TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 24, 2021) – Florida Ports Council Vice President of Governmental Affairs Michael Rubin, testified in support of Florida’s seaports today during the Senate Community…

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), originally created in the 2020 CARES Act, has been extended through Quarter 2 of 2021. The ERTC is a government program put in place to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can claim $7,000 or more per employee. COS Accounting can help you navigate the process and get…

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 19, 2021) — Paragon Flight Training based in Fort Myers has signed a 10-year contract with Lee County Port Authority that will triple its aircraft fleet operations at Page Field, and expand its training and aviation technology services. The contract clears the way for the nationally recognized flight academy to increase its…

The City of Fort Myers recognizes the importance of the arts to the cultural, educational and economic well-being of its diverse population. In order to enhance access to a full range of cultural experiences, the city offers grant opportunities for arts and cultural programs within the local community. The annual city-sponsored Arts and Culture grant application…

SARASOTA, Fla. – Center For Sight, a multispecialty ophthalmology practice which operates 14 eye clinics and surgery centers in Southwest Florida, is the first eye care practice in the world to offer the new OptiBlue intraocular lens, an advanced intraocular lens technology that filters violet light to improve contrast and clarity for cataract patients.  Higher-energy wavelengths create additional light scatter, and exposure to violet light is linked to both cell death and retinal damage. Brought to market by Johnson…