Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 10/3/2013

Shutdown casualties shatter stereotypes

Taking out a mortgage. Getting married in a park. Going for a fall foliage drive. Cashing a check. Who knew that so many random activities of daily life could be imperiled by a shutdown of the federal government? Americans are finding that "the government" entails a lot more than the stereotype of faceless D.C. bureaucrats cranking out red tape. More at the AP.

Where to move if you're looking for a job

When it comes to job openings, America is not created equal. While some regions have recovered rapidly from the financial crisis, others are still struggling. The takeaway for job seekers: Moving just a short distance can make a big difference, and avoid southern Florida. Read more and see a map at Business Insider.

Tropical storm forms in Gulf of Mexico

CEO Sounding Board

What's the best advice you've ever gotten?

‘Find a need and fill it.’

Benjamin Fleischer
CEO, Pyure Brands, Naples

"As a child, I was fascinated to see a tiny little retail store grow into a large manufacturing operation. I took his advice to heart and always try to find a niche with all my business endeavors."

The National Hurricane Center notes that the storm -- Tropical Storm Karen -- is pushing winds of up to 60 mph in the southern sections of the gulf. Forecasts show the storm strengthening still further while in the gulf, likely reaching category 1 hurricane level by Friday afternoon. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Miami Herald.

Florida prison healthcare providers sued hundreds of times

The Florida Department of Corrections awarded a five-year, $1.2 billion contract to provide medical care for thousands of state prisoners in North and Central Florida to a Tennessee company that was sued 660 times for malpractice in the past five years. More at the Miami Herald.

Miami votes on gambling ban

Miami Commission Chairman Marc Sarnoff is looking to rid the city of gambling – at least on city-owned property. A measure he introduced last week that passed on first reading would prohibit gambling in all forthcoming leases for city-owned property. More at Miami Today.

Profile
Q&A with an owner of franchise stores

Kevin Morbach started bagging groceries when he was 15 at his neighborhood Winn-Dixie in Miami, and he stayed with the grocery chain for 43 years. He’s run grocery stores, he’s been a district manager, a human resources manager. But in February, he left Winn-Dixie and went out on his own. Now he’s the owner of two 7-Eleven convenience stores.