Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 11/5/2014

Employers created 230,000 jobs in October

U.S. private employers added 230,000 jobs in October, the most since June and exceeding economists' expectations as mid-sized businesses added the most workers in more than seven years, a report by a payrolls processor showed on Wednesday. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the AP.

September sees home prices fall

The U.S. housing market cooled off in September, as home prices rose at an ever-slowing pace. Prices increased 5.6 percent in September compared with a year ago, real estate data provider CoreLogic said. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Orlando sees boom in homes shared by roommates

Tech Trends
Field of Geeks

Marlins Park will become geek heaven Friday night, as TigerDirect throws a Tech Bash for the community.

Tech Bash, now in its third year and second at the park, will include 120 vendors, including Intel, Dell, Samsung, H-P and Lenovo, showing off their latest technologies in interactive exhibits.

» More from the Miami Herald

Getting a "roomie" has become an increasingly popular way to share expenses in a region where rents have continued to increase as wages have generally flattened. More than 36 percent of working-age residents of Metro Orlando share a house, apartment or condominium with someone other than a spouse or partner. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

A fish tale: Supreme Court and the missing grouper

Did the federal government go overboard when it prosecuted a Florida fisherman for throwing undersized grouper off his boat? Commercial fishing boat captain John Yates says he was wrongly convicted of destroying evidence - namely the fish - under a law passed in the wake of the Enron accounting scandal. More at the AP.

Full Sail University cuts 50 staff members

ll Sail University has laid off 50 staff members as part of a "minimal strategic restructuring," a spokesman for the for-profit Winter Park school said Tuesday. Spokesman Casey Tanous said the layoffs represent about 2 percent of the more than 2,300-strong workforce at Full Sail. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Retail Development
Bucking the Trend

University Town Center opened in October with three anchor stores — Dillard’s, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue — and commitments for 90% of its space. The mall is one of only two enclosed malls to open nationwide this year.