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.
May 23, 2022•49 min
The Sunshine Economy
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.
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episodes
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.
May 10, 2022•49 min
'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.
May 02, 2022•49 min
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.
Apr 18, 2022•11 min
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.
Apr 18, 2022•49 min
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.
Apr 11, 2022•49 min
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.
Apr 04, 2022•25 min
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.
Mar 21, 2022•49 min
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.
Mar 14, 2022•49 min
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.
Mar 07, 2022•49 min
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.
Mar 01, 2022•28 min
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.
Feb 14, 2022•49 min
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.
Feb 07, 2022•49 min
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.
Jan 31, 2022•49 min
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.
Jan 24, 2022•44 min
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.
Jan 17, 2022•49 min
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.
Dec 13, 2021•49 min
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.
Nov 22, 2021•49 min
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.
Nov 15, 2021•49 min
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.
Nov 08, 2021•49 min
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.
Nov 01, 2021•49 min
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.
Oct 25, 2021•49 min
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.
Oct 18, 2021•49 min
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.
Oct 11, 2021•49 min
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.
Oct 04, 2021•22 min
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.
Sep 27, 2021•49 min
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 pandemic.
Sep 20, 2021•49 min
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?
Sep 13, 2021•49 min
'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."
May 24, 2021•49 min
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.
May 18, 2021•49 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android