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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida unemployment rate falls to 5.6 percent
Florida’s unemployment rate dipped once again in December to 5.6 percent, continuing a trend of setting the lowest jobless rates since 2008, according to the new state jobs report. According to a news release from the governor’s office, Florida businesses added 11,500 private-sector jobs in December 2014. More at the Tampa Bay Times and the Orlando Sentinel.
The $15 billion risk to the economy no one is talking about
Bees are responsible for some $15 billion of the U.S. economy - which is to say they add $15 billion in value to U.S agriculture. Put another way, the crops that depend on bee pollination - like apples and broccoli - account for about $40 billion worth of agriculture. And the majority of those bees live on trucks. More from Yahoo! Finance.
Wawa seeks space to expand into South Florida
The convenience store and gas station chain known for its coffee and hoagies announced Thursday that it's looking for locations in Palm Beach and Broward counties and plans to double its number of state stores by the end 2016. More at the South Florida Business Journal.
One Hialeah ZIP Code leads the nation in Obamacare enrollment
In one Hialeah ZIP Code, where signs selling “Obamacare” are plastered across storefronts and cover freeway billboards, more people have selected a plan on the Affordable Care Act insurance exchange than in any spot in the country. More at the Miami Herald.
Mote aiming to raise its profile -- and $50 million
In a twist on conventional wisdom, Mote Marine Laboratory announced the launch of a $50 million fundraising campaign — after having already attained 60 percent of its goal. That effort, called Oceans of Opportunity, started nearly a year ago in low-key fashion and has raised $30 million. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition Tomorrow, Saturday, January 24, the Expedition will host a paddle on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, open to the public. More about the event can be found here. The Rainbow River, photo below, has attracted and sustained human inhabitants for over 10,000 years. The river was officially designated as a Registered Natural Landmark in 1972. The park contains 11 distinct natural communities including sandhills, flatwoods, upland mixed forests and hydric hammocks.
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