Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 11/7/2014

U.S. adds 214,000 jobs in October, unemployment rate drops to 5.8%

Three days after voters registered their sourness about the U.S. economy, the government said Friday that employers added a solid 214,000 jobs in October, extending the healthiest pace of hiring in eight years. More at the AP.

Preparedness
New map can track hurricane flooding

With about 22 million people vulnerable to dangerous hurricane storm surges, forecasters have long struggled with how to issue warnings, especially in low-lying Florida where waters can rise far inland.

Now they have an interactive map that tracks flooding not only by location, but storm strength.

» More from the Miami Herald

» See the map from NOAA

The top South Florida corporate philanthropists

A Doral-based company ranked first on the South Florida Business Journal's list of corporate philanthropists. The company earned the top spot based on its cash contributions to South Florida based charities of $4.25 million. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Opinion: Kent Fuchs’ selection to lead UF good for Florida agriculture

The selection of Dr. W. Kent Fuchs (pronounced “Fox”) as the next president of the University of Florida should be cause for celebration for anyone who cares about Florida agriculture and natural resources. Read the full commentary.

Record Disney World attendance helps boost earnings

Walt Disney World's highest fourth-quarter attendance ever was one of the bright spots for the resort's parent company as it reported a record year of revenue and profit Thursday. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

New College to offer first master's degree

New College of Florida will move forward with its first post-graduate degree after state officials approved the plan. The master's degree is data science program is set to begin with eight students next year with a goal of eventually graduating 15 students each year. More at the AP.

Sports Business
Franchising fitness for the masses

Fort Lauderdale-based Orangetheorgy tries to carve out a niche among fitness clubs in Florida. Meanwhile, star power helps former NFL wide receiver Yo Murphy market his Performance Compound in Tampa.