March 19, 2024

Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 8/28/2015

Governor Scott declares state of emergency in Florida

Governor Scott declared a state of emergency in Florida Friday in preparation for Tropical Storm Erika. Scott wrote that the storm "poses a severe threat to the entire state." The executive order applies to every county in Florida. More from Bay News 9 , CBS 12, and the Tampa Bay Times.

See also:
» Gov. Scott's executive order declaring a state of emergency (PDF)
» Tourism bureaus, cruise lines make storm plans
» Apps to have during a hurricane in Central Florida

» Related: Emergency financing and loans now available for businesses in Tampa Bay that were affected by recent floods.

Crisis, what crisis? U.S. still going strong

A funny thing happened while the world financial markets shuddered in panic this week. A range of indicators about the U.S. economy, the world’s largest, showed a recovery that’s continuing to gain steam. More from McClatchy.

Report predicts upcoming surge in highway construction jobs

A joint transportation jobs report released by the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Labor and Education estimates 388,904 highway construction and maintenance job openings will be created between 2012 and 2022, with the majority being for semi-skilled and highly skilled workers. More at Equipment World.

Pressure looms to deepen St. Johns River as JaxPort works to remain viable

Even as the Jacksonville Port Authority and city leaders continue to plod along in their quest to find money to deepen the St. Johns River, recent successes bode well for the local port's future. More at the Florida Times-Union.

UM seeking $10 million to expand its biotech park

The University of Miami wants to expand its Life Science & Technology Park— and it wants county taxpayers to help pay for it. The university, through its partner developer, Wexford Miami LLC, is asking the county for $10 million in economic development grants. More at the Miami Herald.

Arts and Culture
SHINE Mural Festival

shine arts SHINE isn't a traditional arts festival, which usually lasts two to three days in a specific location, featuring finished art, and then shuts down. During this one, you can see the art being made over many days. It remains long after the event has ended. It isn't for sale.

» More from the Tampa Bay Times

Business Profile
Southern Container Corp. of Florida

southern container companyAfter a hurricane strikes, no one has ever complained that they had too much potable water. John Muccio, owner of the Southern Container Corp. of Florida, wants to make sure you and your family can survive and thrive through any disaster.

» More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Incoming income tax instructor indicated
Incoming income tax instructor indicated

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Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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