Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 10/15/2015

Analysis: Global economic slowdown likely to continue through 2016

The global economic slowdown shows a clear risk of extending into next year, along with an even more prolonged period of disinflation, according to the overwhelming majority of nearly 300 economists polled by Reuters around the world. More at Reuters.

Florida foreclosures decline 17 percent in 3rd quarter

Florida's foreclosure activity has declined 17 percent in the last year. The research firm Realty Trac said Thursday that 1 in every 186 homes in Florida had a foreclosure filing in the third quarter of this year. More from the AP., the South Florida Business Journal, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

JetBlue aims to attract tech-savvy Hispanic travelers

JetBlue Airways is trying to attract more Hispanic travelers, partly by appealing to heavy users of mobile technology. The airline is seeing particular success with a Spanish mobile website created by MotionPoint Corp., a technology company in Coconut Creek. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Miami’s downtown building boom drawing to a close

The last time a building boom ended in South Florida, the region's entire economy crashed, too. Now, as luxury condo sales slow and the dollar grows stronger, analysts fear the wheels of the current cycle are once again grinding to a halt. More at the Miami Herald.

Tips for developing a winning employee incentive system

There are incentives that go beyond compensation. The possibility of promotion or expanded responsibility can be a strong incentive. The desire for continued employment can also be a motivator. The hope for recognition drives some to perform. More at Entrepreneur.

Profile
A job out of tune with changing tastes

Bill McKaig likes to work with his hands. And his ears. What started out as a way to make extra money while studying music in college became the career he was always looking for. McKaig tunes pianos and restores them in a workshop at his South Tampa home.

» More from the Tampa Bay Times

Around the State
Baby steps

Santa Rosa County's quest to become a regional player in the aerospace industry involves a simple strategy: Start small, and go after quality. The county took a big step in that direction last year when it landed TPR Systems at its 160-acre Santa Rosa Industrial Park.