Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/30/2016

Florida construction employment holds strong as 2016 nears close

Florida as a whole had 467,100 construction workers during November, up about 5 percent from a year ago, or 23,400 positions. Markets with the largest year-over-year gains were Orlando (+15 percent), Tampa-St. Petersburg (+9 percent), Naples (+9 percent), Jacksonville (+7 percent) and Cape Coral-Fort Myers (+6 percent). More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida dining: The best thing since sliced bread

The oldest food made new again is indeed a slice of bread heated over a grill or in a broiler, oven or toaster. A simple process performed in your kitchen every day has been taken up by chefs in fine restaurants, gastro pubs, fast-food chains and breakfast spots. Access full story.

Solar Amendment already having positive impact on industry in Florida

Nearly 2 million people voted to allow tax breaks for solar and other energy saving devices in August. The Amendment becomes effective with the new year, but lawmakers must also act to make the savings a reality. More from NBC-2.

Florida residents receiving scam hurricane assessment calls

St. Johns County says residents in the hard-hit area have been receiving automated messages saying that county staff will be conducting damage assessments on their property. More from the AP.

Pipeline protesters want Florida project halted

Some Florida environmental activists are hoping to channel public interest from one pipeline to another, by organizing a series of protests across the state. Some Florida environmentalists are taking inspiration from the Dakota Access protests in their own fight against the Sabal Trail Pipeline. More from WUSF and WJXT.

Out of the Box
Pinball Museum

A Fernandina Beach couple have turned their love for pinball into a business. Their pinball museum along Sadler Road, which opened in October, features more than a dozen machines - some dating back more than 60 years.

» More from First Coast News.

Profile
The Flooring King

After arriving in Florida with only $400 in his pocket more than 25 years ago, Antonio Ofer Sustiel, aka The Flooring King, says he now runs one of the largest closeout liquidators of laminate wood flooring in the world.