March 29, 2024

Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 6/17/2016

David Jolly drops out of Florida Senate race, possibly clearing way for Marco Rubio

U.S. Rep David Jolly will drop out of the U.S. Senate race and run for re-election instead. Jolly, a Republican from Indian Shores, jumped into the Senate race after incumbent Sen. Marco Rubio announced he would not seek re-election. Four other Republicans are also running in the race to replace Rubio, but none have surged to the forefront causing national Republicans to become increasingly worried that none can win in November. (Read more at the CNN.) The move, though, comes as Marco Rubio signals he may seek re-election. Lt. Gov. Lopez-Cantera, Rubio's friend, said he urged Rubio to reverse course and run again. The filing deadline to run for  Senate is noon on June 24. The primary will be August 30.

Florida unemployment dips to 4.7 percent

Florida's unemployment rate fell slightly in May to 4.7 percent as the state added a robust 24,500 jobs over the month, according to figures released today. The U.S. unemployment rate was also 4.7 percent in May. The state gained 253,900 jobs over the year, an increase of 3.2 percent. Nationally, the number of jobs rose 1.7 percent over the year. Florida’s annual job growth rate has exceeded the nation’s rate since May 2012. See the statement from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, look at charts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics here, or read more at the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida firm partners with Lucasfilm on AR vision

Star Wars studio Lucasfilm announced it will be opening a new augmented reality lab in partnership with Florida-based Magic Leap, a secretive AR company that has raised a staggering amount of capital. More from USA Today, the Miami Herald, and Engadget.

Sarasota is No. 1 place to land job in Florida

Sarasota edged out Jacksonville Beach for the No. 1 ranking among 130 cities measured, earning top marks in the state for the number of job opportunities and high grades for overall job market and socioeconomic environment. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

See also:
» Boca in top 10 'best cities for jobs' in Florida; Hallandale is No. 10 in worst list

Florida confirms first case of Zika virus in Jacksonville

The Duval County case plus new cases in Brevard and Seminole counties bring the total count in the state to 150, not counting 38 cases that involve pregnant women, which are counted separately and not designated by county. More from WJXT.

Out of the Box
Printing organs in space

florida Florida-based 3D bioprinter manufacturer nScrypt is part of a team that has created cardiac and vascular structures in zero gravity. The effort could ultimately result in the ability to "manufacture" organs in space for patients on Earth.

» More from Frankly Media.

Community Outreach
Berkeley Preparatory School

cameras In Hillsborough County, only six of every 10 high school graduates from low-income families go on to college, vs. eight in 10 of their more affluent peers. Last year, Tampa’s Berkeley Preparatory School, a private pre-K-12 institution, turned its attention to what’s called “summer learning loss” as part of an expansion of its community outreach efforts.
» Access full story
In photo, Berkeley Prep headmastger Joe Seivold. [photo by Mark Wemple]

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

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Florida Trend Video Pick

Facial recognition cameras in Florida city spark privacy concerns
Facial recognition cameras in Florida city spark privacy concerns

New security cameras in downtown Lakeland are raising concerns about privacy. The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority has begun installing 13 new security cameras on streets, sidewalks, and alleyways, and there are mixed feelings about them.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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