Tuesday's Afternoon Update

Will Short Gorham | 2/14/2012

Florida may create nation's largest private prison population

Florida, which oversees the third- largest U.S. prison population, would have more inmates in private lockups than any other state under a plan that a divided Senate will consider today. The bill, which would put up for bids the operation of 27 prisons and work camps, is intended to save $16.5 million a year by increasing the number of inmates in private prisons to more than 25,000, about a quarter of those behind bars. Florida spends $268 million running the facilities, according to a Senate analysis. While the proposal is supported by Governor Rick Scott, whose fellow Republicans control 28 of the chamber’s 40 votes, its passage is not certain. [Source: Businessweek]

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CEO Sounding Board What are two common mistakes small businesses make? Bill Grimm, Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship and Negotiation at the Crummer Graduate School of Business says: "Almost all entrepreneurs have a fear of passing up what they perceive to be an opportunity, and they spread themselves way too thin." » Read more from him and other Florida CEOs.

Valentine's means business for florists, restaurants

Fort Lauderdale florist Buddy Shaw expects a stronger Valentine’s Day this year. But the calendar gets more credit than the economic recovery does. The reason: a midweek Valentine’s Day often catches men by surprise, forcing them to pay a premium for delivered flowers. For a Saturday or Sunday Valentine’s, they have a full day to pick up cheaper chocolates or stuffed animals. [Source: Miami Herald]

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With NBA All-Stars coming, west Orlando gets a scrubbing

When an estimated 50,000 visitors come to Orlando for the NBA All-Star Game later this month, city officials don't want the City Beautiful to look like the City Trashy. In advance of the event at the Amway Center, city employees, volunteers and even state prisoner road crews will be working furiously to give Parramore and west Orlando a good scrubbing. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

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Performing horses get the star treatment in Miami

Before taking the stage in Miami, the stars of the show are taking it easy away from the bright lights of Miami. Forget about a chair on a gorgeous beach. They’re happy with a roll and some hay. The 71 horses performing in Normand LaTourelle’s Odysseo appreciate the break at the 315-acre Peninsula Farms in Ocala before getting to work under a huge tent being set up at Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami. [Source: Miami Herald]

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Sarasota's Real Digital Media signs deal with theater chain

Real Digital Media says it has reached a deal with one of the country's biggest theater chains to provide a package of digital signs. The company's deal with Rave Cinemas encompasses movie posters that play embedded trailers and box-office signs that will give updates on seating availability. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

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Out of the Box Florida's State Chef Justin Timineri is part culinary ambassador, part farm expert and part cheerleader for Florida-grown food. Technically, he's a state employee working for the Florida Department of Agriculture -- and he's the only full-time state chef in the nation. Timineri -- tall, bald and known for wearing colorful sneakers -- travels the Sunshine State showing people how to use the state's produce and seafood in recipes. He creates healthy menus for people on food stamps and limited incomes and promotes the state's food during trade missions around the world and in TV spots. Next month, he's headed to Brussels to talk up Florida grouper at the world's largest seafood expo. Read more from the Associated Press and visit our State Chef's official site.

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