Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/3/2016

Jobless claims rise, trend points to firming labor market

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, but the underlying trend continued to point to a strengthening labor market. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 278,000 for the week ended Feb. 27, the Labor Department said on Thursday. More from Reuters and the AP.

One Spark 2016 draws 190 applications for April event

Barely a month away from the planned crowdfunding event and after re-opening the application process with two extensions, One Spark officials said they received more applications to become creators at this year’s event than they hoped for. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Florida's 'pared back' tax cut package ready for full Senate vote

The Senate Appropriations Committee endorsed the smallest package of tax cuts in years Thursday, setting the stage for a final Senate vote and Gov. Rick Scott's signature. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida Book Award winners announced

With its 10th annual competition now complete, the Florida Book Awards has announced winners for books published in 2015. More than 200 eligible publications were submitted across the nine categories of competition. More from FSU News and see the full list from the Florida Book Awards.

Even as gas prices rise, drivers will save at the pump

The national average price for a gallon of regular has risen for eight straight days - the first time that has happened since last May, according to the auto club AAA - to about $1.79 on Wednesday. That's still 54 cents cheaper than at this time last year. More from the AP.

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Frank Morsani

Auto dealership entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Morsani: “I’ve had about 30 dealerships. We never sold Chevrolet or Cadillac. I think everything else, we sold. It didn’t make any difference. Iron is iron. We were selling iron.”

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Cooking Passion Into Cash

Angie Mercado is among a growing number of people who are parlaying their talents and fondness for making decorative desserts and specialty foods into cash. And over the past two decades, private food labels have seen a steady rise in sales as more home cooks use their concoctions and personal kitchens to compete with national brands.