Good morning, Westerville. Financial winds are blowing favorably for Huntington Bank as its Carolina expansion exceeds growth expectations, with a new Spartanburg branch marking just one milestone in their ambitious southern strategy. The Columbus-headquartered institution has been outpacing industry peers in 2024, potentially bringing positive economic ripples back to Central Ohio while simultaneously expanding into Colorado markets.
Summer travel just got more enticing with Breeze Airways launching direct flights to coastal Maine for a mere $59. The new seasonal service connects Columbus residents to Portland's New England charm every Monday and Friday. Meanwhile, a sobering reality check emerges from Franklin County, where homelessness has increased 7% with 2,500 people seeking shelter. As officials point to population growth and skyrocketing rents, Columbus City Council has approved $10 million to address what other growing cities now consider an "unsolvable" challenge.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||
|
87%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏦 Huntington Bank's Carolina expansion exceeds growth expectations. The bank just opened a new branch in Spartanburg, South Carolina, marking faster-than-anticipated expansion in the region. This growth trajectory could bring positive impacts back to Huntington's Columbus headquarters. The bank has been outperforming peers in 2024, with stronger deposit and loan growth. Huntington is also expanding into Colorado markets while maintaining strong performance in its home territory.
✈️ Columbus gets direct flight to coastal Maine for just $59. Breeze Airways launched a new seasonal nonstop service between John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Portland, Maine on May 2. The flights will operate Mondays and Fridays, offering Columbus residents easy access to New England's charm. This marks Breeze's eighth nonstop destination from Columbus since beginning service in 2021. The airline, founded by David Neeleman, has earned industry recognition including being named Startup Airline of the Year and ranking in Travel + Leisure's top five domestic airlines.
🏠 Homelessness crisis grows as 2,500 seek shelter in Franklin County. New data reveals a 7% increase in homelessness compared to last year, with officials pointing to population growth and skyrocketing rent as key factors. Community Shelter Board CEO Shannon Isom emphasizes housing as the top priority, while Columbus City Council approved over $10 million to address essential needs like food and shelter. City Council President Shannon Hardin warns that Columbus must act now, noting that other growing cities like Austin consider their homelessness problems "unsolvable." The shelter board reports helping more than 15,000 people last year.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Spacious New Albany school condo: Priced at $299,900, this expansive 3BR condo in New Albany schools boasts 1,600 sq ft with hardwood floors, updated kitchen with quartz counters, vaulted primary suite, and convenient features like 2nd floor laundry.
Uptown-adjacent renovated family home: Listed at $399,900, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a newly remodeled kitchen, updated bathrooms, and strategic location less than a mile from Uptown Westerville with easy access to local amenities and highways.
Luxurious wetland haven big garage: Priced at $549,900, this former model home in Millstone Creek boasts 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 3-car garage, with new HVAC, kitchen appliances, and the rare combination of wetland privacy and park proximity.
|
|