March 28, 2024

Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida Today

Joyce Edmondson | 8/27/2012

Florida's panhandle prepares for Isaac

Tropical Storm Isaac has caused 65,000 in South Florida to lose power, closed airports and schools across the state, and is now causing Florida's panhandle to prepare for flooding and worse.

Tropical Storm Isaac - projected path
3-day projected path of TS Isaac as of midday Monday, August 27. Click graphic to enlarge. [Source: NOAA]

From the Pensacola News-Journal: Pensacolians should expect to see conditions deteriorate around 10 p.m. tonight. The already rani-soaked region could see storm surges of 3 to 6 feet and rain anywhere 10 to 20 inches. “There’s going to be copious amounts of rain,” said meteorologist Jack Cullem.

More about TS Isaac:
» Isaac causes 65,000 in South Florida to lose power
» Florida airports reopen; Airlines eye New Orleans
» Naval Air Station evacuates planes ahead of Isaac
» Tropical Storm Isaac pushing gas prices even higher
» State activates price gouging hotline for Isaac
» Isaac's path and advisories at Wunderground.com


Florida Trend Exclusive
Getting testimonials can be easy

Floridian
Ron Stein

In this week's column, Florida Trend's business coach Ron Stein writes about how easy it can be to get testimonials from your clients or customers.

"We all know that referrals and testimonials are very important sales and marketing tools. Referrals provide fresh pre qualified leads and testimonials help prospects feel comfortable about choosing your products or services. Referrals and testimonials are different, yet very similar because of two simple facts. Neither will happen unless your customer has a great deal of confidence in your company..." Column continues here.


National and state campaigns in Florida raked in $12.8 million -- in one week

Opinion

Former Gov. Charlie Crist: Here's why I'm backing Barack Obama

Floridian
"As America prepares to pick our president for the next four years — and as Florida prepares once again to play a decisive role — I'm confident that President Barack Obama is the right leader for our state and the nation..."
More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Related:

From June 24-30, Florida candidates and political committees raised a little more than $10.8 million. Mitt Romney, President Barack Obama and super PACs banked an additional $1.9 million from Floridians. More at the Miami Herald.

Related - the afternoon RNC roundup:
» GOP will start convention Tuesday
» GOP schedule, speakers
» Bobby Jindal To Skip Republican Convention Due to Isaac


Workers-turned-entrepreneurs are creating jobs

Several South Florida workers who climbed the ranks of big technology companies have become entrepreneurs and are now creating jobs in the region. Two former workers from Motorola and one with IBM are affiliated with Enterprise Development Corp., an incubator for technology startups at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University. The entrepreneurs say their transition from corporate life to company owner has been both challenging and rewarding. More at Hispanic Business.


Small Business Advice
More employees are suing employers

In this week's column, Jerry Osteryoung notes HR lawsuits are becoming rampant.

"In the last three to four years, HR lawsuits have been on the rise, and unfortunately, there does not seem to be any end in sight. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the number of lawsuits related to the Fair Labor Standards Act, alone, increased 35 percent in three years. And this is only one small area that an employer can be sued. It has become so easy for employees to sue their employers as there are so many lawyers willing and able to take cases on a contingency basis..." Column continues here.

Cruise News
Carnival tests alcohol-inclusive beverage plan

PhotoSince early August, Carnival Cruise Lines has been testing an all-inclusive beverage program to see whether the new plan, which includes alcoholic drinks, will be a hit with passengers. The "one-price" unlimited beverage plan is running aboard its Carnival Victory ship, which sails from Miami, San Juan and Barbados. The price is $42.95 per person per day. More from South Florida Sun-Sentinel


Tags: Daily Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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