Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 9/11/2015

Consumer sentiment declines to lowest level in a year

Consumer sentiment declined in September to the lowest level in year as Americans anticipated a weaker economy in face of a global slowdown and turbulent financial markets. More at Bloomberg and CNBC.

Revenue up, but net loss, for Alachua biotech company

Alachua-based Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation reported quarterly revenue of $713,000. Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing genetic treatments of rare eye diseases. More at the Gainesville Sun.

Horses in Florida being sickened by toxic 'creeping indigo'

Horses in north and central Florida are being sickened or dying after eating a toxic weed called creeping indigo. Creeping indigo was introduced to Florida by UF as foliage in the 1920s to aid livestock but then found it was toxic and discontinued its use. More at the AP.

Gas prices hover around $2 in Florida

A weakened Chinese economy, coupled with the belief that Iran could soon start pumping millions of barrels of oil per-day back into the market is keeping crude oil cheap. AAA is forecasting gas prices could drop below $2/gallon by Christmas, as suppliers transition to less expensive winter blends. More at Bloomberg News and WOFL.

Lockheed-Boeing rocket venture expands partnership with Bezos' space firm

United Launch Alliance (ULA), the biggest supplier of rockets for the U.S. military, will ramp up rocket engine work with Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) founder Jeff Bezos' space company. More from Reuters.

Environment
No Home for the Florida Panther

The Florida panther's recovery has raised the ire of southern Florida’s hunters, ranchers, developers, and private landowners, some of whom believe that the animal represents a threat to their livelihoods.

» More from the New Yorker

Florida Originals
Cashing in on the Fountain of Youth

Look hard enough around Florida and you’ll find plenty of fountains of youth. Writer Art Levy takes us on a tour of fountains, including one in St. Petersburg, North Port and Punta Gorda, among others.