Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/22/2015

Florida agencies request small increase in funding

Florida's state agencies are requesting $75.602 billion from the Legislature in 2015, a modest increase of $660.8 million. Eighteen of the state's agencies are asking for more money in the upcoming budget year, while twelve agencies have proposed reducing their funding levels, according to the latest Budget Watch. Read the full Florida TaxWatch Report.

Enterprise Florida picks new CEO: Bill Johnson, Miami-Dade's port chief

Miami-Dade's former port chief Bill Johnson was named Thursday to head Enterprise Florida, Florida's economic-development arm. Johnson succeeds Gray Swoope as CEO of Enterprise Florida. Considered a specialist at turning around troubled departments in Miami-Dade, Johnson spent most of his career as the ports chief. "You'll see me around the state. You'll see me listening," Johnson told the Enterprise Florida board at Thursday's meeting. More at the Miami Herald.

Hyatt to run Orlando International Airport hotel for 20 more years

International Roundup
Tale of two Latin Americas

Trade between Florida and Latin America Florida has seen its trade growth slow considerably amid weakness in several of the region’s largest markets. Brazil and Argentina are in recession, but Colombia and Mexico are predicted to show solid economic gains.

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Orlando International Airport leaders agreed Wednesday that Hyatt should continue running the airport hotel at the main terminal for another 20 years, plus decided to hire a concession company offering $2 million less in guaranteed money than its rival. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Equity returning for South Florida homeowners

More South Florida homeowners became "equity rich" by the end of 2014, giving them options they haven't enjoyed since the housing boom. Recent numbers provide yet more evidence of the turnaround in South Florida's housing market. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

ITExpo to highlight South Florida tech firms

A Miami Beach tech conference next week will feature South Florida companies making a splash in the Internet of Things, cloud computing and other emerging tech sectors. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Business Profile
Titan Paddles rides paddleboarding wave

The trio that founded Dania Beach-based Titan Paddles shared a passion for paddleboarding — and for keeping manufacturing in the USA. So when other companies were moving their paddle making to Asia, the three decided they could make by hand a fiberglass paddle in America that would impress paddleboarding enthusiasts.