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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Consumer confidence in Florida hits 17-year high
Consumer sentiment in Florida reached its highest level in 17 years, increasing 1.4 points in April to 102 from a revised figure of 100.6 in March. These levels of confidence have not been observed since March 2002 when consumer sentiment reached 102 points. Among the five components that compose the index, one decreased and four increased. Read more from UF News and Florida Politics.
They call it a non-tropical disturbance. And it’s bringing extreme weather to Florida
Meteorologists are tracking a “strange” disturbance across the Southeast Bahamas that could bring rain and record heat to South Florida by Thursday. Another perhaps unwelcome, unseasonal guest? Summer heat, with a forecast high of 92 degrees on Saturday and Sunday. More from the Miami Herald.
Column: How a new space launch rule will benefit Florida
Two weeks ago, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a new rule for the licensing of commercial space launch and reentry. For Florida, with its burgeoning aerospace sector — accounting for 130,000 jobs and $19 billion in revenue — and multiple launch sites, including the most active spaceport in the world, the new rule is just the kind of regulatory tweak needed for the state’s ambitious plans to grow its local launch industry. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida craft distillers push for passage of bill that no doubt would lift their spirits
The bill, among other things, would remove the provision that prohibits a craft distillery from selling more than six individual containers of branded product to a consumer. Industry members say that passage of the bill would go a long way to ensuring the economic viability and prosperity of craft distilleries. More from the Miami Herald.
Chewy.com hopes to overcome gnawing Wall Street memories
PetSmart’s online pet store Chewy is selling its stock in an initial public offering that may revive memories of the days when its breed of internet retailing seemed like a lost cause. The Dania Beach, Florida, company is setting out to raise $100 million, but that figure listed in documents filed Monday is likely to change in the weeks ahead as Chewy’s bankers gauge investor demand for the IPO. More from the AP.
Technology Trends
Cybersecurity executives collaborate to address evolving cyberthreat landscape
Tasked with thwarting an evolving cyberthreat landscape but limited by a critical national workforce shortage, National Security Agency Executive Director Harry Coker Jr. and 300 other executives from across the county convened in Pensacola, Florida, in search of answers.
» More from Florida Trend.
Sports Business
Orlando makes a play to be sports media capitol
Sports media and entertainment is growing fast in the region that has long been known for theme parks and tourism. The sizable presence of sports media and video game industry signals a hub growing outside of the New York/Connecticut and California regions.
» Read more from Axios.
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