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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Optimism on the rise among Florida businesses
Business owners and executives in Florida are increasingly optimistic about prospects for both the state and national economy in 2015. Forty-eight percent of the Florida businesspeople polled by BMO Harris Bank expect the state's economy to grow next year, up 12 percent from a similar poll a year ago. More at the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Self-employed jump through hoops to get a mortgage
It's never been easy to get a mortgage if you're self-employed. These days, it's even harder. Getting lenders to quote you a rate is tougher if you don't work for someone else, according to a report Thursday from real estate researcher Zillow. More at NBC News.
Florida business groups try to break Legislature’s health care deadlock
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Publisher's Column
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With Florida’s ruling Republicans showing no signs of embracing President Obama’s approach for expanding low-income health coverage, state business groups are floating a new plan. Called “A Healthy Florida Works,” the plan looks to draw federal dollars to provide private health insurance to as many as 800,000 uninsured Floridians its first year. More at the Palm Beach Post.
Miami’s billion-dollar art fair becomes platform for selling everything
As Miami readies for the 13th installment of Art Basel Miami Beach, among the world’ most important contemporary art fairs, a five-day extravaganza that has become a magnet for high-end real estate and luxury brands to align themselves with the artistic set to attract the world’s biggest spenders. More at the Business of Fashion.
NextEra to Acquire Hawaiian Electric for $2.6B
NextEra Energy Inc. said Wednesday it plans to buy Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. to expand clean energy in Hawaii. The companies value the deal at $2.6 billion, or $4.3 billion including the assumption of Hawaiian Electric's debt. More at the AP and Pacific Business News.
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Retail Trends
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