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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida's unemployment rate drops to eight-year low
Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.9 percent in February, down from 10.7 percent in December 2010. This milestone marks the state’s lowest unemployment rate in eight years. During February, Florida businesses created 5,900 new jobs. From the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity:
Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 8,241,700 in February 2016, an increase of 5,900 jobs (+0.1 percent) over the month. Compared to February a year ago, the number of jobs in the state was up by 243,200, an increase of 3.0 percent.
Full statment from Gov. Scott is here. Also read more at the Tampa Bay Times. Note: This post has been edited to correct numbers.
» Florida’s February Employment Figures, from the FDEO (PDF)
U.S. economic growth in Q4 revised upward to 1.4% on consumer spending
The U.S. economy grew more rapidly than believed late last year as stronger consumer spending more than offset sluggish business investment. The nation’s gross domestic product expanded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.4% in the fourth quarter, above the 1% estimated last month. More from USA Today, the AP, and Reuters.
Family-owned businesses face unique challenges
According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), family-owned businesses make up 90% of all business enterprises in North America, and are responsible for 62% of U.S. employment. More from Plastics Today.
Hollywood Studios attractions on their way out at Disney World
The makeover of Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park is about to take a major step forward. Familiar facades and attractions are about to be shuttered as preparation continues for lands that will be dedicated to the "Star Wars" and "Toy Story" franchises. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Feds: Florida, others need better child care inspections
Federal inspectors found that Florida is not adequately enforcing its rules at child care facilities, discovering violations that exposed children to potential electrocution, poisoning and other injuries. Inspectors from the Department of Health and Human Services found that while Florida inspected child care centers three times annually and licensed child care homes two times, as the state required, some still had serious violations.. More from the AP.
Environment
Black bears
Last fall, when hunters killed far more bears than expected during Florida's first bear hunt in 21 years, the state's top bear expert said that was a sign that there were more bears in the woods than anyone knew. A study unveiled Thursday backed that up, finding 4,350 bears prowling the woods.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Out of the Box
High-tech fitness
» More from the Orlando Sentinel
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