March 29, 2024

Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 8/13/2013

Retail sales data points to improving economy

A gauge of U.S. consumer spending rose in July at its fastest pace in seven months, a sign of quicker economic growth that could strengthen the case for the U.S. Federal Reserve winding down a major economic stimulus program. Other data on Tuesday showed U.S. small business optimism improving in July. More at Reuters.


Florida pharmacists win $597 million blowing whistle on scheme

No industry has felt the sting of whistle-blowing more than health care. Since 1988, whistle-blowers have helped the U.S. government recover $24.2 billion, and 75 percent of that involved medical treatment, according to the Department of Justice. The pace is accelerating. Since 2009, 91 percent of the $10.6 billion recovered has come in health-care cases. More at Businessweek.


CareerEdge to receive national recognition

Business Profile

Optima Healthcare Solutions

optima
n 1986, Steve Mackie, a consultant and computer programmer by training, wrote a program that allowed a nursing home to keep track of assessments of patients, as required by a then-new federal mandate.

It worked so well that the nursing home owner wanted it in 23 facilities he owned, and Mackie had a company on his hands.

» Optima Healthcare Solutions

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, a Bradenton-based group formed to bring workers and employers together, has received an economic development award for its efforts. The International Economic Development Council will give CareerEdge its Human Capital Program Award to recognize the group's work in workforce development. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.


Florida making list of state-owned lands to sell

The state is compiling a list of publicly held lands from among its inventory of nearly 5 million acres that could be sold to private buyers so Florida can purchase other parcels for conservation. The goal is to sell $50 million worth of land, with the money from the sales combined with $20 million that lawmakers included for land acquisition in the state budget. More at the Jacksonville Business Journal.


Amid startup fever, four young businesses keep scrapping for growth

Trying to keep up with creative business startups across the Tampa Bay area is a bit like running around catching raindrops in a paper cup. You're bound to miss a lot. But there is some surprising momentum out there in Startup Land if you take the time to look. More at the Tampa Bay Times.

Publisher's Column
Florida Trend enjoys another fine year

condoWhile many magazines are reporting dismal print circulation, Florida Trend’s circulation has actually grown. For the first half of 2013, circulation is up 5% to the highest level perhaps in our history. According to a just-completed survey by a national research firm, each print copy reaches five readers thanks to sharing, buck-slips and so on — that means that more than 250,000 people read Florida Trend each month.

» Read Andy Corty's full column


Tags: Daily Pulse

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Florida Trend Video Pick

Facial recognition cameras in Florida city spark privacy concerns
Facial recognition cameras in Florida city spark privacy concerns

New security cameras in downtown Lakeland are raising concerns about privacy. The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority has begun installing 13 new security cameras on streets, sidewalks, and alleyways, and there are mixed feelings about them.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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