Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 9/24/2013

Florida’s consumer confidence continues downward trend

“The decline is definitely a trend and one that is now being reflected in other economic data,” said Chris McCarty, director of UF’s Survey Research Center in the Bureau of Economic and Business Research. This trend also suggests that Floridians could face another recession if the federal government shuts down, McCarty said. More at UF News and the AP.

Realtors urge delay on new flood rates

The Florida Realtors trade association has waded into the fray over rising flood insurance rates. This morning Dean Asher, the group’s president, urged the Florida Cabinet to lobby Congress to delay the rate increase, which he said could stall the state’s recovering real estate market. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Bayer donates $200,000 toward citrus greening research

Odd Jobs

NASA Bed Rest Study

NASA is currently looking for volunteers to lie in bed for 70 days.

That’s right, you could get paid a total of around $18,000 for lying in bed, playing games on your phone, reading books, Skyping with your friends and family, taking online classes – and even go on with your day job if you can get away with working remotely, so long as you don’t get out of bed for that entire duration.

» More from Forbes and NASA.

Bayer CropScience has donated $200,000 over three years toward citrus greening research. The company awarded the grant Monday night to the Lake Alfred-based Citrus Research and Development Foundation during a dinner at the 70th Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association annual meeting at Amelia Island. More at the Lakeland Ledger.

Darden expands into Malaysia

Orlando-based Darden has signed an agreement with Secret Recipe, an Asian restaurant operating company, to open at least 13 Red Lobsters, Olive Gardens and LongHorn Steakhouses. Darden is turning more to international development for Olive Garden and Red Lobster as growth in the United States has slowed. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Sports collectibles company signs one of Broward's biggest leases

Fanatics Mounted Memories, the collectibles division of online retailer Fanatics, has leased nearly 179,000 square feet at Sawgrass International Corporate Park in Sunrise. Norm Adams of Stiles Realty represented Fanatics, in what is one of the largest industrial leases signed in Broward County in 2013. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Real Estate
Positive signs in commercial real estate

Justin Beck, president of the family-owned, 31-year-old Beck Property, a major Pensacola full-service commercial real estate company, talked to Florida Trend about the commercial market’s recent positive signs: "I don't think we're creating another bubble, but a sustainable economy," Beck says.