PODCAST · news
The Sunshine Economy
by WLRN News
The Sunshine Economy explored the people, companies and trends that make South Florida one of the most dynamic economies in the world. The program ran from 2013-2023 as the region bounced back from the Great Recession, nurtured a burgeoning technology industry, and wrestled with climate change. The program takes listeners from the waters of Florida Bay to the depths of the PortMiami tunnel (and countless offices and conference rooms) to hear from bartenders and bankers, caregivers and CEOs.
Episodes
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A 'perfect storm' of problems plagues Florida's home insurance market
The home insurance market is broken with companies collapsing or leaving — raising costs and risks for homeowners.
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How Disney and DeSantis clashed over power and policy, and what it means for business and politics in Florida
The battle between Gov. DeSantis and Disney CEO Bob Chapek is a rare public display of big business and hard knuckle politics.
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'If we don't open, mom can't go to work' — the pandemic puts a priority on child care
The child care industry is pivotal for parents being able to work and for children's early learning. It struggles to compete for workers.
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BONUS: Why a veteran climate activist thinks Russia's war in Ukraine may be a turning point for fossil fuels
The Russian war in Ukraine has brought focus — again — to sources of energy. Climate activist Bill McKibben talks about how he hopes the war will reshape the developed world's relationship with fossil fuels.
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How two generations are fighting climate change by focusing on finance and age
Delaney Reynolds and Bill McKibben are from different generations and live on opposite ends of the East Coast. Both have committed themselves toward fighting climate change and rallying politicians and people, while increasingly focusing on finance.
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How a banker, baker and cleaner survived, then thrived during the pandemic, and new challenges they face
WLRN has been following three businesses for more than a year as the regional economy recovers from COVID-19.
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The South Florida economy experiences 'a different kind of surge' while sentiment wanes
The unemployment rate has plunged while the inflation rate has soared, hurting consumer confidence.
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One couple's small business journey during the pandemic
COVID-19 cost them one business, but Jamila and Akino West used their pandemic pivot to reinvest and reinvent their entrepreneurial ambitions.
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Russia’s war in Ukraine and its impact on countries with close ties to South Florida.
War has broken out in Eastern Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is felt here with higher gasoline prices, but it also impacts countries with close ties to South Florida.
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How four South Florida small businesses survived two years of COVID-19 and are growing again
First it was the virus, now small firms are dealing with new challenges like inflation and finding workers.
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How two bills would rewrite the relationship between businesses and local governments in Florida
The latest Tallahassee Takeover podcast from WLRN News explores the building friction over business and local rules. The battle over booze in Miami Beach may be its first test.
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The newest cruise ship operator at PortMiami says 'we're being singled out as an industry'
Virgin Voyages hopes to stand out in the cruise ship business with its rock-and-roll attitude and adults-only cruises even as the CDC still advises travelers to avoid cruising because of COVID.
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The South Florida housing market has 'too few roofs to rent or own'
The escalating unaffordability of housing for local workers threatens competitiveness and quality of life, and worries housing experts.
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The storm in Florida's home insurance market is not weather-related. It's fraud and litigiousness
After years of shrinking, the state taxpayer-backed property insurance company Citizens has been growing as private insurers lose money in Florida.
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How a South Florida insurer is dealing with the cost of COVID care, at-home tests, and Obamacare
The second year of COVID-19 could cost $50 million for health insurance company AvMed.
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From parking lots to ghost kitchens – how Reef Technology is changing the restaurant business and regulations
A Miami company has attracted big investors and is reshaping the restaurant industry.
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Teddy bears, bedroom sets and brand new cars — what's fueling inflation for South Florida companies?
How inflation is affecting South Florida businesses from furniture to food, new cars to even Tonka toy trucks.
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Florida's special session: About protections from 'federal overreach' or 'vehicle for misinformation'?
Florida Republican lawmakers said employees need protections against being fired for not getting vaccinated. Democrats called it political theater casting doubt on COVID-19 vaccines.
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Costs and considerations for home health care of aging loved ones in Florida
The demand for home health care has increased even while the supply of workers has been squeezed thanks to how most of the care is paid for.
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The cruise line boss who is challenging Florida's vaccine passport ban
Norwegian Cruise Line requires all its passengers and crew to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and has been fighting in court to continue its mandate.
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Expert says lack of earning and the 'right kind of housing' keeps Florida in an affordable housing crisis
Parts of Florida consistently rank as some of the most unaffordable places to live with the combination of low incomes and high housing costs.
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Where are Florida's workers and how are industries responding?
Thousands of people have dropped out of the job market even as the economy continues rebounding. From hotels to health care, companies are looking to hire.
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Facing the cost and challenges of caregiving in South Florida
COVID-19 has highlighted how older Americans are cared for, the special vulnerabilities they face, and the challenges families have to confront when making caregiving decisions.
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Why does a Miami mask maker have millions of them waiting for buyers?
Medical products maker Demetech moved into masks early during the pandemic, but now is left holding millions of them.
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There's a long way to go, but the South Florida economy and COVID-19 outlook are improving
The South Florida economy has been growing, but it remains far from its pre-pandemic condition. Meantime, the virus continues spreading.
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A $1 Billion Deal Brings New Player To South Florida Hospital Market
A billion-dollar deal for five South Florida hospitals brings a new operator to the region. Steward Health Care is the largest physician-owned hospital network in the country and bought several facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
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Related Group's Next Generation Talks South Florida Real Estate After Surfside, And During COVID
Jorge Pérez built Related Group into one of the leading condominium and apartment developers in the region, reshaping the South Florida skyline — especially along the waterfront. Now his two oldest sons have taken over the day-to-day running of the company after the Surfside collapse and during a...
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Vaccines And Vacancies: Navigating Pandemic Protocols In The Workplace
The job market is strong in South Florida. Offices are reopening and COVID-19 vaccines are available. So what pandemic policies are companies putting in place?
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'Are We Ready? We're Ready' – PortMiami Director On The Return Of Cruising
It’s a multi-billion dollar question for the South Florida economy — when will cruise ships set sail again with passengers? PortMiami's boss says: "We're ready."
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How A Baker, Banker And Cleaner Are Growing Their Local Businesses — And Looking For Help
For months the Sunshine Economy has been following three businesswomen navigating the pandemic economy. The baker, banker, and cleaner have been growing in their optimism even as each of them have had trouble finding new employees.
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From Moment to Movement: The Technology Industry In The Sunshine Economy
In 2015, the Sunshine Economy asked a group of Miami technology leaders to imagine what the industry could look like in 2030. Six years, a global pandemic and one viral tweet later, the five people are even more convinced that Miami’s tech movement has arrived now.
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Raising The Curtain For South Florida Arts Economy And Workers
COVID-19 shut down South Florida’s arts economy. Performances, concerts and productions came to a stop for artists and behind-the-scene workers. But, slowly, the curtain is rising again.
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Florida and France: Travel, Climate Change, Caribbean and Space
"Florida is a very important place for French investors," said France's Ambassador to the U.S. Philippe Étienne, during a visit for the launch of a French crew member from Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station.
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When Will Cruise Ships Sail Again In The Sunshine Economy? 'Sooner Than Many People May Think' Says Royal Caribbean Int'l CEO
It has been more than a year since a cruise ship sailed from the U.S. with paying passengers. So when does Royal Caribbean International hope to be able to shove off from South Florida ports?
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The Sunshine Economy: Why A South Florida Bank Was A Big Lender Of COVID-19 Rescue Money
City National Bank of Florida was one of the most prolific lenders of government rescue money during the pandemic.
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The Sunshine Economy: A Look Back At The COVID-19 Year In Florida
One year after the pandemic took hold of the economy, shutting down the hospitality industry and costing thousands of jobs, these business owners are fighting their way back. And in some cases, the future looks brighter now.
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The Tug-of-War Over Public Education in Florida
The state government pushed local school districts to reopen classrooms last fall sooner than elected school board members thought was safe. Some see it as the state standing up for parent choice, while others interpreted it as the state undermining local decision-making.
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'The Cost Of Not Acting': How Ineffective Virtual Learning Could Shrink Students' Lifetime Earnings
More than a million public school students in Florida are going to school through a screen. That may cost them and the U.S. economy in the decades to come.
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South Florida Public School Leaders Warn: 'Missing' Students Could Lead To 'Draconian' Budget Cuts
During this special Class of COVID-19 edition of The Sunshine Economy, superintendents of South Florida school districts detail how they're trying to find thousands of students who aren't going to school — and what the consequences will be if they don't.
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Class of COVID-19: The Pandemic and Public Higher Education
With the state facing a budget crunch thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, what has been the impact of the virus on the finances of local colleges and universities? Can schools keep tuition in check?
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After Two Pandemic Postponements, Opening A Restaurant During A Recession And A Reckoning
Star chef Marcus Samuelsson was determined to open a new restaurant in South Florida, even during a recession.
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Missing Passengers, Moving Cargo. How PortMiami Is Trading Through The Pandemic
Millions of cruise ship passengers have been missing from PortMiami during the pandemic, but parts of the port are busier than ever.
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The Sunshine Economy: Cuban Currency Unification
After more than 25 years, Cuba is doing away with its dual currency system and getting rid of the Cuban Convertible Peso. What does the change mean for Cubans and for Cuban-Americans trying to help family and friends on the island?
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The Sunshine Economy: The Business Of Testing COVID-19 Vaccine And Volunteers
The global search for COVID-19 vaccines has included South Florida as drug companies use clinical research companies here to find, manage, and follow local volunteers.
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The Sunshine Economy: Competing In The Global Mask Market From Miami
COVID-19 vaccines may be coming, but there remains big demand for personal protective equipment like masks, especially N95 masks. South Florida manufacturer Demetech has pivoted during the pandemic to compete in the global mask market.
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The Sunshine Economy: How a Baker, Banker and Bartender are Navigating the Pandemic Economy
Since September, the Sunshine Economy has been following how a baker, banker and bartender have been finding their way through the pandemic economy for themselves and their businesses.
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Feeding The Sunshine Economy In South Florida
For months, since the pandemic started, South Florida has been ranked one of the most food insecure areas of the country. About a half million people report sometimes or often not having enough to eat, and most of them report losing income, according to U.S. Census Bureau surveys.
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The Sunshine Economy: Federal COVID-19 Stimulus and Local Governments
The clock has been ticking for months on whether or not Congress will find a compromise on another round of federal government stimulus spending, and whether or not local governments could see some direct help.
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The Sunshine Economy: A New Normal
As the battle against COVID-19 wears on, what’s the new normal? How could the pandemic reshape work and wages? How could it influence health care and the tourism industry?
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The Sunshine Economy: Civility and Commerce
The political rhetoric this election is red hot and often downright rude. But is there a business cost from incivility? Research shows rudeness is contagious. What is the effect on commerce?
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Sunshine Economy explored the people, companies and trends that make South Florida one of the most dynamic economies in the world. The program ran from 2013-2023 as the region bounced back from the Great Recession, nurtured a burgeoning technology industry, and wrestled with climate change. The program takes listeners from the waters of Florida Bay to the depths of the PortMiami tunnel (and countless offices and conference rooms) to hear from bartenders and bankers, caregivers and CEOs.
HOSTED BY
WLRN News
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Sunshine Economy have?
The Sunshine Economy currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Sunshine Economy about?
The Sunshine Economy explored the people, companies and trends that make South Florida one of the most dynamic economies in the world. The program ran from 2013-2023 as the region bounced back from the Great Recession, nurtured a burgeoning technology industry, and wrestled with climate change. The...
How often does The Sunshine Economy release new episodes?
The Sunshine Economy has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Sunshine Economy?
You can listen to The Sunshine Economy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Sunshine Economy?
The Sunshine Economy is created and hosted by WLRN News.
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