News Update: March 31, 2020

In the news this Tuesday: farmers getting hit hard, gig workers struggle, but some good news from FPL and Hertz as companies find ways to assist their customers in these challenging times.

Farm Woes: The shutdown of Florida’s hospitality industry is being felt in the fields where produce is grown. Farmers have millions of pounds of produce that is being left to die on the vine, the Miami Herald reports this morning. 

Gig Workers Struggle: On paper, the $2 trillion stimulus bill is supposed to provide gig workers, freelancers and contractors the same assistance as fulltime employees. But Bloomberg Law explains that workers may face challenges getting any help.

FPL Drops Rates: Florida Power & Light is going to reduce residential bills by nearly 25 percent in May, in part because lower fuel prices have reduced its costs, according to the South Florida Business Journal.

Hertz Changes: Car rental firm Hertz is lowering the age required to rent a vehicle from 20 to 18 years old through the end of May to make it easier for college students and younger drivers to get home, the Business Observer reports. 

Condo Pools Close: Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has ordered all private swimming pools and gyms to close. He’s unhappy that people in condos and apartment buildings aren’t taking social distancing guidelines seriously, the Miami Herald explains.

We hope you enjoy this quick news summary. If there are other kinds of content you’d find useful in this daily post, drop us a line: [email protected].