Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 9/6/2016

Is Southwest Florida's building boom headed for a slowdown?

After a long recessionary dry spell, a flood of new homes inundated the Southwest Florida housing market over the past six years. Now, the question becomes: Is this flood about to recede? While starts and closings remain positive for the present, permits — an indication of future growth — have started to taper off. More from the Naples Daily News and also see the Lakeland Ledger.

Jacksonville facility is preparing to begin maintenance work on presidential helicopters

The hiring process is under way at the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast in Jacksonville to find capable employees who will eventually be working to maintain the Marine One presidential helicopter fleet after negotiations with a private company recently fell through. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Researchers work toward cure as virus attacks Florida sugar crop

Researchers with the UF IFAS are working to find a cure or develop resistant varieties for a virus that is attacking sugarcane and sorghum throughout the Everglades agricultural region. Florida produces more than 50 percent of all sugarcane in the United States, making it the largest producer in the nation. See the full story from UF IFAS here.

Marine industry spent over $200 million in Collier in 2015

Worries over water quality have been a major talking point on the campaign trail in 2016 in Florida. Now a new study shows just how much is at stake. According to the Marine Industries Association of Florida, a trade organization which represents recreational boating and marinas, the industry had an economic impact of $15.3 billion in 2015. More from the Naples Herald.

Small Business Advice
Core values that inspire will make your business great

Just doing or being is fine, but you really need to stand for something that matters. Making money is great, but there are so many other things of value that you can make a stand for in your business. This is what makes a business great. More from Jerry Osteryoung.

Around the State
Clermont: The choice of champions

In the beautiful rolling hills of Central Florida, surrounded by pristine lakes, the City of Clermont is the white-hot destination for investors, fitness buffs and elite athletes training in the epicenter of a health-and-fitness culture known around the world. [Sponsored Report]

» Read the full report here.

Publisher's Column
Research success in Florida

Arthrex is the poster child for a successful research-oriented company — and it’s right here in Florida. Based in Naples, $1.9-billion Arthrex employs 2,300 Floridians. And this summer, it announced plans to add 500- plus jobs, with a potential for as many as 1,000. The medical device manufacturer holds 919 patents and manufactures 9,500 products.