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• Both the Orlando area and Volusia County saw record-breaking tourism numbers last year, according to new reports. Economic analyst Hank Fishkind looks at what’s driving these new record levels of visitors…and how long the tourism boom may last.
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• Believe it or not, if you want to keep on top of economic trends, you’ll find one of the most reliable indicators in what is perhaps an unexpected place. Economic analyst Hank Fishkind says data for the sales of existing homes are one of the most important and reliable indicators for the economy, and there are more surprises hidden in the existing home sales data for March.
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• The U.S. Census Bureau has released its population growth estimates for last year. The report covers the time frame of July 2017 through July 2018. Economic analyst Hank Fishkind says there are some important trends to watch that affect the economy, nationwide and here in Central Florida.
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• Orlando is one of 17 U.S. cities in the running to host the 2026 World Cup. Economic analyst Hank Fishkind says hosting the World Cup could be a financial boost for the area, but there are a few variables in the mix.
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• The Orlando metro area is ranked worst in the US for housing affordability for people who make $24,600 per year or less. In part one of a two-part discussion on the topic, economic analyst Hank Fishkind explores the mismatch between wage rates and the cost of housing that’s available in the marketplace.
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• The cattle industry brings in hundreds of millions of dollars to Orange County, according to a report released today by the University of Florida.
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• Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed $625 million in spending for environmental programs in the 2019 state budget. Economic analyst Hank Fishkind talks about why these programs are important to Florida’s environment and its economy…and he suggests a few of his own.
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• The economy added only 20,000 new people to the job market in February compared with the 180,000 expected, but wages continued to grow to about $28 dollars an hour on average.
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• Two Central Florida counties may soon join about two dozen other counties across the Sunshine State in taxing themselves. Voters in Osceola County may join Volusia in considering increases to their local-option sales taxes to fund infrastructure projects, like improvements to roads and bridges. Economic analyst Hank Fishkind explains why voters would consider a proposal to raise their own sales taxes.
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• When it comes to state taxes, Florida has an unusual approach. It’s one of only seven states in the US with no income tax. Economic analyst Hank Fishkind explains how Florida and the other six states come up with the money to fund their budgets and spending programs.
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