March 29, 2024

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 8/12/2015

Florida job creation slows in July

Florida added 13,700 private-sector jobs in July, the weakest monthly performance so far this year, according to a report released Wednesday. The estimate from payroll-processing firm ADP indicated Florida is still among the strongest job-generators in the country. More at the Tampa Bay Times.

Bill would ban businesses from firing gays

Members of the Florida Legislature are trying to make workplace discrimination against gay and transgendered workers illegal — for the seventh year in a row. The Competitive Workforce Act would make it illegal to fire someone based on sexual orientation or gender identity. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

A little bug poses a big threat to Florida avocados

The ambrosia beetle, despite its pretty name, is trouble. Since arriving in the southeastern U.S. unannounced and unwelcome in the 2000s and Miami-Dade County in 2011, the beetles have killed more than 500 million trees. More at the Miami Herald.

NASA jet to hunt for storms around South Florida

A large NASA jet plans to depart from Fort Lauderdale today, hunt for a thunderstorm over the Atlantic and skirt around the edges. Its mission: Test out a special radar system that should enhance aviation safety by detecting when tiny ice crystals form close to storms. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Tourism industry wary of big Chinese devaluation

The Chinese tourists who have become a common sight in the world's major cities fear their wings will be clipped if Tuesday's shock yuan devaluation develops into a deeper dent in their spending power. More from Reuters.

Energy
Get smart about staying cool

temperature Summer temperatures are hitting record highs across the nation this year – and Florida is feeling the heat across the state – from Jacksonville, where FPL customers recently experienced 24 straight days of 90 degrees or warmer weather, to South Florida where Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport experienced its hottest July on record. Florida Power & Light helps energy consumers save money with smart-tech, smart-design summer tips

» Full story

Profile
Rural King Plants its Roots in Southwest Florida

rural king Originally a midwest farm-supply chain, Rural King is expanding in Florida. The 55-year-old family company has added stores in Hernando, Citrus, Lake, Lee and Polk counties. Known to carry a large mix of hard-to-find items, the stores claim to draw customers from a two-hour driving radius.

» Access full story

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should Congress ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S.?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Need more details
  • What is TikTok?
  • Other (Comment below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2024 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.