Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/1/2014

New biotechs have plenty of ideas, no lab space

Many biotech companies have struggled to find lab space as they grow out of university labs and incubator programs, often cobbling together two or more facilities at a time to meet their needs. More at the Gainesville Sun.

The best April Fools' Day jokes by businesses

Businesses across the country are getting in on the spirit of the April Fools' Day, including officials from the St. Petersburg/Clearwater tourism office, who announced sightings of a "Manaphin" off the state's coast on Tuesday. (A Manaphin is a mythical dolphin-manatee hybrid.) See more from ABC News.

Water managers may appeal Clean Water ruling

Economic Yearbook

Creating a Tech Hub in Miami

Tourism, real estate and international trade are driving the economy in Miami-Dade County, as they have for years. Much energy has been focused on creating a technology hub in the county, and the number of tech startups and second-stage companies has grown dramatically.

» Access full story

» See also, from the Miami Herald: Start-ups turning Miami into a high-tech hub

South Florida's water managers may appeal a federal judge's ruling over the pumping of water from farmlands into public water supplies such as Lake Okeechobee. More at the AP.

Fake car crashes plummet in Florida

The number of car accidents staged in Florida so an insurance claim could be filed has fallen by more than half since the laws governing personal-injury protection were reformed, according to a new report. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Top Tips for Start-ups From Successful Entrepreneurs

The second annual Start-Up City: Miami event, sponsored by The Atlantic, The Atlantic Cities, the Knight Foundation and the Creative Class Group convened venture capitalists, leading thinkers, and start-up founders yesterday to discuss entrepreneurialism and to share tips and expertise on successful startups. More at the Huffington Post.

Event
What every small business needs to know about hiring and firing

Knowing how to hire and fire legally is an essential part of running every business. In order to prevent potential lawsuits and government investigations, all employers should know the basics on hiring and firing smart. Join Beth Milito and Luke Wake, attorneys in NFIB’s Small Business Legal Center, for a fast-paced interactive webinar that will cover the following critical components of hiring and firing employees.