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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
U.S. jobs market firming, manufacturing regaining footing
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, but a sharp drop in layoffs in March suggested the labor market momentum remained intact. Labor market strength, however, has not been accompanied by robust wage growth, making it unlikely the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates soon. More from Reuters and the AP.
Anheuser-Busch breaks ground on $175 million Jacksonville facility
Anheuser-Busch’s Metal Container Corp. plant in Jacksonville broke ground on its $175 million expansion, a project to bring 75 new jobs to Northeast Florida. The expansion, which will provide the space and equipment to begin producing 16-ounce aluminum bottles, will be completed in the first quarter of 2017. Read the statement from Gov. Scott here. Also see more at the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Cost of Everglades restoration in Florida could double to $16 billion
In a five-year update from the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers released Wednesday, federal officials estimated that the cost of the massive restoration effort launched in 2000 and expected to cost $8 billion has doubled to $16.4 billion. More from the Bradenton Herald.
FTC and states wrap up largest charity enforcement action ever
The Federal Trade Commission and states have settled claims against two entities claiming to be cancer charities. Orders require entities to be dissolved and ban leader from working for non-profits. Read the report here..
Gov. Rick Scott signs 14 bills into law
On Wednesday, March 30, 2016, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed 14 bills into law. Read a list and a summary of all 14 bills here.
Publisher's Column
Downtowns Rising Across Florida
Downtowns are booming all across Florida. While we all know about the development craze in Miami, Florida metro areas from the Atlantic to the Gulf also are surging.
Out of the Box
GolfBoard
A public golf club in Lakewood Ranch, Florida is introducing a new product in hopes of bringing more people, and perhaps more fun, to the game. It's called the GolfBoard, and it cruises along the fairways and cart paths. It's kind of a cross between a traditional golf cart and a Segway, using a Tesla lithium battery for power.
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