March 19, 2024

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida Today

State and local government hiring on the rise

For the first time since the start of the economic downturn, state and local governments created more jobs than they lost last month, according to a recent Gallup survey. Meanwhile, private-sector employment remained essentially unchanged and federal government employment dipped slightly. More at Governing Magazine and Gallup.


Hollywood to vote on Margaritaville's new financing plan

If city commissioners approve Margaritaville's new financing scheme Wednesday evening, the delayed beach resort will be back on course. Commissioners agreed in July to give developer Lon Tabatchnik more time to line up a new deal after he missed a May 15 financing deadline and subsequent deadlines to submit final plans and a construction contract for the $138-million Jimmy Buffett-themed venture. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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AutoNation sales up 28 percent in August

Business Profile

Hann Powerboats signs international contract

Hann
Manatee County boat builder Hann Powerboats, known for making military-style vessels designed for both speed and fuel efficiency, counts the U.S. Navy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service among its customers. This year, the company expects that global exports will account for 60% of revenue.

» Full story...

» Hann powerboats

AutoNation said August sales were up 28 percent to 23,213 over the previous year. Retail new vehicle unit sales in August 2012 for the nation's largest automotive retailer (NYSE: AN) were as follows:

  • -- 6,961 for domestic, up 20 percent
  • -- 12,530 for import, up 42 percent
  • -- 3,722 for premium luxury, up 6 percent

More at the South Florida Business Journal and the Associated Press.


Jackson bids to privatize emergency rooms

Jackson Health System president and CEO Carlos Migoya is seeking to privatize the emergency room services in its facilities for adults and pediatric patients by Oct. 1 — a move the union involved is calling "irresponsible." More at Miami Today.


COLUMN: Postal Service woes hurt communities

Rain, snow, sleet, hail – and in Florida's case, extreme heat – have not stopped mail carriers from their appointed rounds. But email, online bill-paying and social media likely will. That is not a happy prospect for many who see the post office as not just somewhere to mail stuff but a link in that fragile, endangered species we call "community." More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Private sector trend
Texting bans

textingGrowing numbers of employers are telling workers to stop texting while driving, even though the Florida Legislature has failed to outlaw the practice. The Sunshine State is one of only six without a statewide ban on texting while driving. In the absence of such regulations, many employers and governments have taken the matter in their own hands as they try to keep employees safe and limit their liability risks.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel


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