Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 7/16/2015

Judge orders redistricting wrapped up by September

A Florida judge is telling the state Legislature it needs to have new maps for Congress finished and reviewed by a trial court by late September. Pointing to a time crunch, a Leon County circuit judge Wednesday gave the Florida Legislature little more than two months to draw new congressional districts and to defend them in court. More from the AP and the Florida Times-Union.

Study projects rail line's impact on Florida tourism

All Aboard Florida, the private rail service that expects to begin transporting passengers between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando in 2017, will provide new connectivity in the Florida travel market. More at Travel Weekly.

Mass layoff announced by Piper Aircraft of Vero Beach

A mass layoff announced Wednesday by Piper Aircraft Inc. of Vero Beach will impact more than 100 workers and possibly as many as 150. The airplane manufacturer is reducing its workforce by at least 15 percent and may cut its staff by as much as 20 percent. More at Florida Today.

Disney among employers facing challenges to appearance policies

Appearance policies such as the "Disney Look" — a 25-page booklet devoted to the wholesome image the company aims to project at its theme parks — have come under increased scrutiny as critics charge they can exclude followers of some religious faiths. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Back-to-school spending expected to decrease this year

Back-to-school shopping might cost you less this year. The average family with children in grades K-12 is projected to spend about $630, down from the estimated $669 last year, according to a National Retail Federation survey. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Around the State
Still Giving

While the national sank into an economic recession, the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund stepped up its support in the communities of northeast Florida. It bumped up its annual payout from 5% of the fund’s total to 6% for three years starting in 2008.

» Access full story

Out of the Box
Psychic Capital of the World

At first glance, the tiny community of Cassadaga is nothing out of the ordinary. Nestled in in the heart of central Florida and surrounded by lakes and forest, the sleepy town may not seem like much — but there’s something quite peculiar about it. This town is known as the "Psychic Capital of the World."