Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/29/2014

Florida hospitals keep their grades up

Nationwide, of the 2,523 hospitals that received grades, 31 percent earned As, but 23 facilities, or 9 percent, earned Fs. None of those hospitals was in Florida, where five facilities got Ds. Hospitals on average are doing better at improving their error rate. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Sports tourism having an impact on Southwest Florida's bottom line

On the weekend after the traditional end to the winter tourist season, Southwest Florida hotel rooms remained packed with out-of-town visitors. But instead of leisurely beach lovers, many guests were here for serious play — the Florida Scholastic Rowing Association Sweep Championships at Nathan Benderson Park. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Spirit posts $37.7 million first-quarter profit

Business Profile

352

Geoff Wilson's blog entry "Why 352 Recommitted to Our Hometown, Gainesville" was circulated around the business community after it appeared March 26.

352 — which takes its name from the area code — custom-builds software, websites and apps for customers such as AutoTrader, The Tampa Bay Times, diesel engine manufacturer Cummins Engines, and medical fundraising site YouCaring.com.

» Full story from the Gainesville Sun

Spirit Airlines reported first quarter net income of $37.7 million, or 51 cents a share, up from $30.6 million and 42 cents in the 2013 period, the Miramar-based carrier announced Tuesday. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

CodeNow expands tech education program to Miami

CodeNow, a national nonprofit that provides underrepresented high school students free training in computer programming, is expanding to Miami with funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the organizations announced Tuesday. More at the Miami Herald.

Think you're too old to start a business? Think again

Are you nearing retirement and exploring new opportunities? The U.S. Small Business Administration South Florida District, SCORE, and AARP are teaming up to host two events tomorrow targeting entrepreneurs over the age of 50. Read more.

Historical Florida
Historical maps of Florida cities and towns

The panoramic map, or bird’s-eye view, was one of the most popular forms of cartography in the United States during the late nineteenth century. Panoramas adorned the walls of homes, and politicians used the maps to promote the prosperity of their respective cities. But, as these maps of cities and towns in Florida show, the panoramic map also tells the story of a place in a particular moment of time — a pictorial biography, in a way.