Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/13/2017

Florida to get $1.5 billion to help hospitals treat poor

A last-minute windfall of $1.5 billion from the Trump administration to be used by hospitals to treat the poor could help bridge a gap in the Republican-controlled state Legislature over a new state budget. More from the AP and CBS Miami.

Florida small business defaults up in February

In February 2017, small business loan defaults increased in Florida's business community, data released by PayNet show. Of the 18 major industries, 9 worsened and 8 improved in the state. "The increasing default rate over the past year has created a cautious lending environment," states the president of PayNet, William Phelan. Full news release here.

Florida remains middle-of-the-pack player in venture capital

When it comes to raising venture capital, Florida remains far behind California and Massachusetts, two states Florida expressly targeted when it invested more than $1 billion in public money to lure biotech labs. According to a report from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Florida companies landed $157 million in venture capital in the first quarter of 2017. That ranks 11th among the 35 states that brought in more than $5 million in VC for the quarter. More from the Palm Beach Post.

Ambitious high-tech BRIDG project opens doors near Kissimmee

The ambitious high-tech research project near Kissimmee, known as BRIDG, held its official opening Thursday morning. The hope for the project is that it will eventually attract thousands of high-paying tech jobs to an area known more for budget motels near Disney World. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Former Florida Rep. Robert Wexler joins Ballard lobbying shop in D.C.

Former Florida Congressman Robert Wexler has joined Brian Ballard's lobbying practice in Washington and will focus on foreign policy and international affairs, the firm said. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Public Safety
Florida second worst state for distracted driving

A study released Wednesday by EverQuote says 92 percent of U.S. drivers with cellphones have used them while moving in a car in the past 30 days, and Florida ranks No. 2 for the nation’s worst score.

» More from WPTV and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Florida Law
Struggling: Law school in the hot seat

Typical graduates of Florida Coastal Law School can expect to earn about $46,000 annually, but a sizable portion of their salary – about $9,800, on average – will go toward paying student loans, according to a recent government analysis.