Pasco to conduct business surveys
The Pasco County Commission has approved spending $75,000 to conduct an annual business survey in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Commissioners voted on Nov. 17 to approve a contract with ETC Institute Inc., to conduct the annual surveys. The contract calls for a not-to-exceed amount of $25,000 in fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023, unless canceled in accordance with solicitation documents.
Nine companies responded to the solicitation, including one from Pasco County.
A five-member committee evaluated the submissions, before selecting ETC.
Florida benefits fall short
Money.com did a study of the maximum unemployment benefits paid per state as compared to expenses. The study showed that Florida’s maximum benefits per person was $1.102 as compared to expenses of $2,494, for a difference of $1.302, according to a news release. Florida ranked second only to Arizona, in terms of the size of the gap between unemployment and expenses. The difference in Arizona was $1.322.
AT&T contributes $10,000 for Crisis Center project
AT&T has selected the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for a $10,000 donation, in support of the Gateway Contact Center.
AT&T is providing vital communications services for Super Bowl LV in Tampa and is investing in the Tampa Bay community by supporting the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay ahead of the event, according to a news release.
The funding will support the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Gateway Contact Center, which includes the 2-1-1 line, where callers receive immediate information and referrals to local services, as well as emotional support, 24/7.
As the sole provider of these services in Hillsborough County, the Crisis Center anticipates an increase in demand surrounding Super Bowl LV events in Tampa Bay, the release notes.
“The Super Bowl is an incredible opportunity to showcase the Tampa Bay area on a world stage. However, it also means an increased demand on social services in the community due to all of the events surrounding the game, and higher volumes of visitors to our city. We are thankful for the funding from AT&T in support of our contact center during a time when there will be a higher demand on our services,” Clara Reynolds, president & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, said in the release.
“AT&T is committed to our Florida communities, and we are honored to support this worthy organization and its mission to help Floridians in their time of need,” Edwin Narain, vice president, external and legislative affairs, AT&T Florida, added in the release.
Hillsborough seeks damage reports from Eta
Hillsborough County is seeking reports from businesses that sustained damages from Tropical Storm Eta. The county is requesting businesses experiencing damage to complete the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz. This information helps to make assessments and begin the recovery process., according to a Hillsborough County news release.
Professional business consultants are available at no cost to assist small businesses in identifying assistance that may be available for their individual business needs. Contact the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County or call (813) 204-9267 to request a virtual or phone appointment.
Also, the county reminds businesses to use due care in selecting contractors to make repairs. Fraudulent and unlicensed contractors often seek to victimize vulnerable business owners and residents looking to repair damage.
Deadline approaching for human trafficking training
Florida lodging employees have until Jan. 1 to comply with human trafficking training requirements, according to a news release from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA).
Legislation was passed in 2019, requiring that human trafficking awareness training be provided and that reporting procedures be established for Florida’s lodging operators and employees.
“Florida’s hospitality industry is committed to stopping human trafficking in our state,” Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), said in the release. “Properly training our team members on the front lines in lodging is essential to spot and stop this horrific crime. FRLA stands ready to ensure that our people are trained and that our industry is no longer targeted or vulnerable for trafficking.”
State law mandates training for those lodging employees who perform housekeeping duties or work at the front desk or reception areas starts within 60 days of hiring or by Jan. 1, whichever occurs later.
To ensure the utmost vigilance, the FRLA recommends that lodging operators train all guest-interactive staff as well, including concierge, bell staff, valet, and others who have direct guest contact. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which regulates lodging establishments, released additional details, including:
- Training programs must be approved by the DBPR. The FRLA is an approved trainer and provides online training at no cost in English and Spanish. In-person training is available, too, at a fee.
- Employees must complete training by Jan. 1, or within 60 days of hire, whichever is later. Retraining is required annually.
- Covered lodging properties must implement a procedure to report suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, at (888) 373-7888 or local law enforcement. Signage must be posted in employee areas, regarding the hotline.
