March 18, 2024

Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 6/22/2018

Moody's upgrades Florida to its highest credit rating

florida AAA rating

Moody's Investors Service announced it is upgrading the state of Florida to its highest credit rating, citing "sustained" improvement in the state's economy and a "proven track record of rebounding from severe weather events." For the first time in the history of Florida, all three rating agencies now have Florida’s GO bond rating at AAA. See the news release from Moody's here. Also see statements from Gov. Rick Scott, CFO Jimmy Patronis in this news release, and read more from the Times/Herald.

Nathan Benderson Park getting subsidy from Sarasota County

County commissioners have cautiously agreed to subsidize some operational costs for Nathan Benderson Park for another year, but expect the private entity that runs the park to formulate a business strategy that will make the 600-acre attraction along Interstate 75 self-sufficient. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

MIA named top Florida airport for business travelers

Miami International Airport has been named the top Florida airport for business travelers in a TravelBank study. Overall, the airport ranked eighth in the U.S. among the 30 busiest airports. More from WSVN.

Wix leader talks up Florida's tech talent

Danny Brigido of Wix, an Israeli company that created one of the world’s most popular website design platforms, says Florida — and particularly the Tampa Bay area — has a compelling story to tell to tech firms like his that look to escape the high taxes and cost of living in Silicon Valley. More from the Business Observer.

5 groups get $250,000 to research Florida Lionfish removal

Florida wildlife officials are awarding $250,000 to five organizations to research new ways to remove invasive lionfish from deep-water habitats. Lionfish face few natural predators in U.S. waters, where they eat native fish important to maintaining healthy reefs and compete with native predators for food. More from the AP.

Around the State
Eckerd College stresses lifelong learning early in retirement

 Choices made during the first six months of retirement typically dictate habits during the rest of retirement, says Kelly Kirschner, Eckerd College’s vice president of executive and continuing education. Recently retired people, he says, “fill their buckets quickly” — golf, bridge, travel, for example. Kirschner’s job is to get them involved — early — in learning programs.

» More from Florida Trend.

 

Out of the Box
School for sale

floridaFor sale: a 104-year-old elementary school with restaurant and wine shop. It even has a title company where you can close the deal. Less than a year after completing a major renovation of the historic North Ward school, developer Jonathan Daou has the property on the market for $5.2 million.

» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Incoming income tax instructor indicated
Incoming income tax instructor indicated

Affordable housing remains an issue; Income tax guidance on its way; What's in the 2024 budget; A mysterious threat to endangered sea life; Bass Pro Shops founder's "Florida Dream"

 

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should Congress ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S.?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Need more details
  • What is TikTok?
  • Other (Comment below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2024 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.