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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida unemployment rate rises slightly, job creation slows down
After being stuck for five months at 4.7 percent, Florida's unemployment rate finally budged in October. But not in the right direction. The jobless rate ticked up a notch to 4.8 percent, though it's still down from 5.1 percent a year ago, according to figures released this morning by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Gov. Scott notes though, that Florida businesses created 8,900 private-sector jobs during October, bringing the total number of jobs created since December 2010 to 1,232,400. Full news release from the governor, here. Also see more at the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida TaxWatch recognizes top principals in high-risk schools
This year’s top performing principals who have helped students achieve in Florida’s high-risk public schools were recognized on Thursday, November 17th, at the 4th Annual Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Awards at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. More at Florida Trend.
What will a Trump presidency mean for Florida’s environment?
Everglades restoration, the largest environmental project ever undertaken in the nation’s history, is essentially a giant infrastructure job. And many of the solutions to climate change in South Florida come down to construction: raising roads, fortifying coastlines and updating flood controls. More from the Miami Herald.
Landmark Bradenton burger joint closing after 90 years
For generations of Manatee County residents, going to Council’s Bradenton Recreation was a family tradition. Council’s Bradenton Recreation officially closed this week after 90 years of business, 80 years owned and operated by the Smith family. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida agriculture leader George Wedgworth dies in Belle Glade
George Wedgworth, 88, a leader, legend and icon in Florida agriculture and the founder of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, died Wednesday morning at his home in Belle Glade. More from the Palm Beach Post.
Florida Arts and Culture
Celebrating the Creative Spirit
Supporting visual and performing arts in partnership with businesses and key cultural organizations, the PNC Foundation is awarding $525,000 dollars over the next three years to arts organizations in Broward, Duval and Palm Beach counties, bringing brilliant works of art to life in Florida. [Sponsored Report]
Around the State
Orange County Launches a Tech Offensive
Orange County this summer announced that it distributed nearly 75,000 computers to students. That includes a computer for every high school student — making Orange County the first district in central Florida to achieve that milestone and, county officials say, the first big urban district in the state.
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