April 24, 2024

Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 9/18/2015

U.S. eases rules for travel, doing business in Cuba

The Obama administration eased rules Friday for U.S. citizens wishing to travel to Cuba or do business with its growing ranks of independent entrepreneurs, hoping to spur greater economic freedom and democracy on the island. More at the AP and McClatchy.

Uber stuck in neutral in Broward

The popular, app-based ride-booking service pulled out of Broward at the end of July in protest over the county's new regulations, which required drivers to submit fingerprints for criminal background checks, and required insurance coverage to meet state laws for commercial vehicles, among other things. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Living, working and eating along the new Miami River

Modern Miami owes its very existence to this navigable waterway. In fact, “Miami” is a Tequestan term for sweet water. Yet for decades the Miami River was the forgotten route of a community marching ever westward. More at the Miami Herald.

Osceola seeks $40M high-tech contract extension with Skanska

Osceola County is negotiating with Skanska USA on construction of the planned Florida Advanced Manufacturing Research Center for a contract extension of about $39.8 million. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Why paid leave matters for the future of business

Companies and lawmakers are beginning to realize what many of us have long known – that what is good for workers and their families is good for business and our economy, and that improvement at the national level is long overdue. More at the Harvard Business Review.

Out of the Box
11 jobs that only exist in their own countries

traffic zebras Sometimes, traditions and circumstances can lead to unique occupations in different countries. From ostrich babysitters in South Africa to bike dredgers in the Netherlands, here are 11 jobs that only exist in their own countries.

» More from Business Insider

Editor's Column
Orlando City Soccer Club

orlando Soccer club From Florida Trend Executive Editor Mark Howard:
"With all due respect to the U.S. women’s World Cup soccer team and its world championship run, my favorite sports story this summer was a soccer story from Florida. The ownership of Orlando City Soccer Club, a Major League Soccer team, put together a deal with the city of Orlando and Orange County for a $115-million facility with about 20,000 seats..."

» Access column here

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Florida shoe cobbler mends more than soles
Florida shoe cobbler mends more than soles

Jim McFarland, a fourth-generation shoe cobbler in Lakeland, Florida, never anticipated his trade mending shoes would lead to millions of views on social media. People are captivated by his careful craftsmanship: removing, then stitching and gluing soles on leather footwear.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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