Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/9/2015

Applications for unemployment benefits rise to 281,000

The number of Americans seeking first-time unemployment benefits rose last week but remained at historically low levels that are consistent with job growth. Initial jobless claims increased by 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 281,000 in the week ended April 4, the Labor Department said Thursday. More at the Wall Street Journal and the AP.

Tax relief in 2015? What to expect this session

As Florida House and Senate leaders prepare to negotiate the differences in their budget proposals passed last week, one potential sticking point will be tax cut packages. The latest Florida TaxWatch Budget Watch, an independent, nonpartisan monthly look at Florida's budget process, outlines the tax cut options thus far. Read the full analysis.

Blue Origin eyes Cape Canaveral to build, launch rockets

Out of the Box
Salt Therapy

A new kind of spa that proponents say relieves ailments from emphysema to psoriasis are popping up in Florida.

While many customers swear by salt therapy, the medical community is not sold on it.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel

A billionaire-backed company that aspires to make human spaceflight more affordable would build rockets near Kennedy Space Center and launch them from Cape Canaveral if state officials can secure its commitment in the coming weeks. More at WKMG.

Orlando was top US tourist destination in 2014

Tourism officials say more than 62 million visitors came to Orlando last year, making the theme-park mecca the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S. More at the AP.

BBX Sweet Holdings acquires new candy brand

BBX Capital Corp. departed from banking with the sale of its biggest asset, BankAtlantic, about two and a half years ago. The company is now involved in timeshares, manufacturing, real estate and candy shops. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

2015 Economic Yearbook
Healthy Economic Prognosis

Health care is fueling a recovery in Florida’s Treasure Coast, says Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County President Pete Tesch. Martin Health System, which opened Tradition Medical Center in December 2013, is a leader in job creation, Tesch says, “and a catalyst for economic development.”