SHARE:
Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida adds jobs in August, but unemployment rate ticks up
Florida's unemployment rate ticked up to 6.3 percent in August, from 6.2 percent a month earlier, despite a boost in jobs, according to state figures released early Friday. The state added 22,700 jobs over the month, bringing the total number of jobs created over the past year up to 211,200. More at the Tampa Bay Times.
Preservation grant awarded to Miami Marine Stadium
The Friends of Miami Marine Stadium will used the $180,000 in funding announced Thursday to hire specialists to evaluate and recommend ways to restore the facility's concrete exterior and unusual structural underpinnings. More at the AP, the Miami Herald, and read the backstory of Miami Marine Stadium.
Sid Martin Biotech Incubator wins national excellence award
The University of Florida’s Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator was recognized as a national leader in technology-based economic development by the State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI). More at the Gainesville Business Report.
Taco chain debuts first U.S. location in South Florida
A new taqueria chain will debut its first U.S. location in Hallandale Beach this weekend. The Wapo Taco! franchise is an American version of restaurant chain El Farolito, which serves tacos at over 20 locations in Mexico and has been in business for half a century. More at the South Florida Business Journal and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Mom-and-dad banks step up aid to first-time home buyers
Last year, 27 percent of those purchasing a home for the first time received a cash gift from relatives or friends to come up with a down payment, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. More from Businessweek.
In case you missed it: