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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
U.S. labor market data supportive of rate hike
New applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week at levels consistent with a strengthening labor market. In addition, job openings rose during September and October. Labor market strength is now in a range many Fed officials see as consistent with full employment. That has bolstered expectations of a liftoff in the U.S. central bank's benchmark overnight interest rate at the Dec. 15-16 policy meeting. Full story from Reuters is here.
Broward mansion for sale: $159 million
Le Palais Royal, a beach-front mansion in Broward County, is on the market for an astronomical $159 million. The mansion, owned by Robert Pereira, was inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France.The property features a 30 car garage, six waterfalls, 1,300 gallon aquarium, an 18-seat IMAX theatre, an ice-skating rink, guest houses, go-cart track, bowling alley and night club. [Source: UPI]
(The video tour below was from 2014, when the mansion was listed at $139 million.)
FDOT to study expanding use of breakdown lanes for buses
The Florida Department of Transportation is considering allowing buses to bypass congestion by driving along the shoulder of I-275 in Pinellas County. Though it seems like an off-beat concept, it's been used in Miami already. FDOT is conducting a study to evaluate whether Pinellas roadways would be a good fit. "It's not an ideal solution, but it's a relatively low-cost transportation option that enhances travel time competitiveness," Whit Blanton said. "It makes bus service more competitive with auto." [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
The end of political polling?
Is polling's place in politics coming to an end? There are reasons to believe so. The list of problems wth polls is long. Fewer and fewer people have landlines, and buying lists of cellphone numbers by geographic area is expensive. Getting people to answer the phone and stay on the line to answer questions is increasingly difficult. As a result, election polls have become less accurate, more expensive and harder to gauge public opinion.[Source: Governing]
UCF series to focus on future of filmmaking, TV production in Florida
The University of Central Florida will present, "Flickering Landscapes," a look at the history of Florida's film industry, the identity of the state in the media, and the cinematic representation of Florida. More than 20 speakers, including film-industry professionals and college professors, will explore what makes Florida cinema and how is it defined. The conference will be held at UCF's downtown Center for Emerging Media. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Southwest Florida Roundup
A grow-slower plan at FGCU
After more than a decade of fast growth, Florida Gulf Coast University is tapping the brakes. The school has decided to limit enrollment growth to about 2.3% a year. Access Florida Trend story here, part of a news roundup for southwest Florida.
(Photo: Florida Gulf Coast University's 800-acre campus near Fort Myers)
Event
Miami Book Fair - Nov. 15-22
Starting this Sunday, book lovers will converge at Miami Dade College for the annual Miami Book Fair. Local authors and those with ties to South Florida are a part of the literary festivities. Miami’s own Luther "Luke" Campbell will appear to discuss his book, The Book of Luke: My Fight for Truth, Justice, and Liberty City on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 3:30 pm. [Source: South Florida Times ]
» See the full lineup of authors and events in the 2015 Fairgoer's Guide, here.
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