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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Sunken treasures: Artificial reefs boost Florida's economy and environment
Florida's artificial reefs provide nearly 40,000 jobs, generate over $3 billion in economic activity, produce $1.3 billion in income, and result in $250 million in state revenues. Florida Sea Grant agents, scientists and volunteers have lead the development of the state’s artificial reefs. Reef projects around the state benefit from the 51-year-old program's research expertise and access to more than 800 coastal and ocean scientists. Read the story from UF News, or see the full interactive presentation here.
Orlando supermarket market heats up
Orlando's supermarket market has been heating up in the past several years. Lucky's Market just announced it will open up eight stores in the Orlando area next year. Trader Joe's chain is expanding in the market and a Sprouts Farmers Market store is planned. At the same time, Winn-Dixie has been closing stores as it faces stiffer competition. More from the AP.
SBA-backed loans in southern Florida exceed $1 billion
For the third year in a row, the South Florida District of the U.S. Small Business Administration exceeded $1 billion small business lending – and this year, the district achieved it in half the year. More from the Miami Herald.
Gov. Rick Scott to host 2017 Latin American Summit
Governor Rick Scott announced that he will host the 2017 Latin American Summit on October 2 in Miami to discuss the important relationship Florida shares with the region. More at Florida Trend.
Moffitt Cancer Center: Building new traditions of excellence
Moffitt Cancer Center is in the midst of an $800-million expansion, adding new patient beds, outpatient services, a hospital wing and facilities that will support researchers. [Sponsored report]
Out of the Box
Fantasy Super Cosplay Wrestling
Fantasy Super Cosplay Wrestling, where cosplay meets pro wrestling in the ring, returns to Florida Supercon, one of the state’s biggest comic cons, from July 27-30 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Around the State
Fire and Ice
Inside a chamber at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in Pensacola, several Ford trucks have been idling for three weeks in minus-40 degree temperatures to test how they hold up to extreme cold. The Ford test is just one of many civilian and military investigations conducted at McKinley, the world’s largest climatic test facility.
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