March 18, 2024

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 7/22/2015

Home sales surge in June to fastest pace in 8-plus years

Americans bought homes in June at the fastest rate in over eight years, pushing prices to record highs as buyer demand has eclipsed the availability of houses on the market. More at the AP, Reuters, and CNBC.

Johnson & Johnson Vision Care expands in Jacksonville

On Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott announced that Johnson & Johnson Vision Care will expand its Jacksonville facility, creating 100 new jobs. The company will also add a capital investment of $301 million. Bill Johnson, Enterprise Florida president & CEO said:

“Florida’s opportunity economy continues to grow thanks to global leading companies like Johnson & Johnson Vision Care and its investments in Florida. Florida’s life sciences sector is among the best in the nation, thanks to our pro-business climate and workforce. We thank Johnson & Johnson Vision Care for their continued commitment to Florida.”
Full press release is here.

Don't just build a business -- build a business with soul

It’s hard to explain entrepreneurial soul, but once you experience it, you know what it means. It’s what gives you purpose. It’s at the core of every sustained business—the ones with heart and emotion and customers who just can’t live without them. More at Entrepreneur.

Fusion’s cable programs, website have yet to explode

When the cable TV channel Fusion went live on Oct. 28, 2013, the moment was the culmination of several years of preparation, research and experimentation by Univision and the Walt Disney-owned ABC News. Eighteen months later, the network has yet to fully find its groove. More at the Miami Herald.

A year later, Red Lobster feels its independence

Orlando-based Darden sold Red Lobster a year ago to private-equity firm Golden Gate Capital. The $2.1 billion deal involved Darden's oldest brand, but one that was suffering from sinking sales. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Out of the Box
i-limb

i-limb Fort Lauderdale resident Lizbeth Uzcategui is the first in the country to be fitted with the x-small i-limb quantum prosthetic, a microprocessor controlled hand that has five finger motion and different grasp functions.

» More from the Miami Herald

Of Counsel
Lawyers, Guns, and Poetry

of counsel Attorney Jon H. Gutmacher is among the state’s top legal experts on gun and self-defense laws. He’s author of “Florida Firearms -- Law, Use & Ownership.” Gutmacher talks with Trend reporter Art Levy about state laws involving guns and his love of shooting and … fashion.

» Access full story

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Incoming income tax instructor indicated
Incoming income tax instructor indicated

Affordable housing remains an issue; Income tax guidance on its way; What's in the 2024 budget; A mysterious threat to endangered sea life; Bass Pro Shops founder's "Florida Dream"

 

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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