by Associated Press
The printed newspaper industry has been devastated by changing technology that has sent the vast majority of people online in search of news. While McClatchy and others have pushed digital operations aggressively, advertising dollars have continued to flow toward local Internet publishers like Historic City News and internet giants like Facebook and Google.
As of February 1st, Historic City News learned that Airbnb, one of the world’s largest marketplaces for unique, authentic places to stay and things to do, had entered into agreements to collect and remit local bed taxes on behalf of its hosts in Volusia and Clay counties. St Johns County Tax Collector Dennis Hollingsworth represents one of a minority of counties who refuse to sign.
The Florida Bar, the state’s guardian for the integrity of the legal profession, announced to Historic City News reporters that the Florida Supreme Court disciplined 13 attorneys in recent court orders; disbarring two, revoking the licenses of two, reprimanding one and suspending eight. One attorney was also put on probation. Attorneys suspended for periods of 91 days and longer must undergo a rigorous process to regain their law licenses including proving rehabilitation. Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment.
Odd Birds Bar and its adjacent restaurant Odd Birds Loft are combining and relocating to 200 Anastasia Boulevard in mid- to late-February according to Cesar Diaz, co-owner of Odd Birds Group. Historic City News learned that the last day of operations at 33 Charlotte Street will be Wednesday, February 5th.
Historic City News learned that more than $1 billion in rental income was generated in Florida last year by the vacation rental home marketing company Airbnb. An announcement appeared in Florida Politics today quoting a company report that 6.6 million guests stayed in host properties in 2019.
Here in America’s Oldest City, inspired by an ancient Spanish holiday practice of displaying lit candles on windowsills, the Annual Nights of Lights is set to brighten up the holidays once again. To experience the glow of the season and the more than 3 million lights adorning every corner of the city’s historic district, take a ride on Old Town Trolley’s Nights of Lights Tour.
The State of Florida passed a constitutional amendment, reported by Historic City News in 2004, that set the minimum wage paid locally above that required by federal law. The minimum wage in Florida is adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation.
The Florida Bar, the state’s guardian for the integrity of the legal profession, announced to local Historic City News reporters that the Florida Supreme Court recently ordered 15 attorneys to be disciplined, disbarring five and suspending 10. One attorney was also ordered to pay restitution. Attorneys suspended for periods of 91 days and longer must undergo a rigorous process to regain their law licenses including proving rehabilitation.
