Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Thursday's Daily Pulse

Unemployment falls across Florida, U.S.

Unemployment rates fell in August in nearly 90 percent of large U.S. metro areas, mainly because more people gave up looking for work. The Labor Department said Wednesday that unemployment rates dropped in 329 large cities, the most in four months. Rates rose in 24 cities and were unchanged in 19. Read more form the Associated Press and see details of the rates in the Southern U.S.

See also:
» U.S. service firms grow at fastest pace in 6 months


Chinese funding Florida charter schools

Investment money is pouring into Florida from wealthy Chinese who find that Florida has exactly what they are looking for — and what they need to secure US green cards. Chinese investors are taking advantage of the EB-5 investment visa program, the so-called "green card via red carpet," by putting millions into Florida's charter schools and an aquaculture farm in Central Florida. [Source: Miami Today]


Roe from Mote Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida Dining:
Roe, Roe, Roe at Mote

The taste of the sea in Florida cooking is more luxurious than ever, and it comes from a surprising source: Fish eggs. As in caviar. From Florida. Yes, eating “local” in Florida now means savoring the most extravagant of all foods, caviar on a spoon of mother-of-pearl. Full story...


Column: Nuclear fallout in Florida is expensive

Welcome to Florida's nuclear Armageddon. No need to don a hazmat suit or mix iodine in your morning coffee. But you had better hide your wallet. Forget mushrooms. This nuclear cloud is in the shape of a dollar sign. And it's hanging over Florida in the same stubborn way a mid-afternoon stench hangs over a landfill. Clearing the air will take a miracle. Or a Public Service Commission with a spine. In other words, we're doomed. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

See also:
» Still waiting for outrage over nuclear plant advance fee


South Florida stores expect pent-up Halloween demand

With the ghoulish celebration a few weeks away, early-bird shoppers have already started to descend on mom and pop, chain and pop-ups costume stores in search of the perfect Halloween outfit. Last year rain dampened many South Floridians' Halloween plans as such some costume sellers are anticipating pent-up demand from revelers this year. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]


ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Angel network builds bridges between investors and start-ups
“Buy local” is taking a new twist, with Innovation Gainesville spearheading a partnership that’s encouraging local folks to invest some of their portfolios in local start-ups.

› Mega-casino battle stays under cover
Watching and waiting. That's what opponents of bringing casino resorts to Miami are doing as casino operators strategize, spend money and lobby for what is shaping up to be their biggest push yet — not next year, but in 2014.

› Digital Domain’s collapse spells end to naming rights deal
The collapse of movie effects company Digital Domain Media Group means an end to the firm’s $100,000-a-year naming rights deal with the spring training home of the New York Mets.

› Mayor Buddy Dyer pushes green agenda for Orlando
Mayor Buddy Dyer laid out a green blueprint for the City Beautiful on Wednesday with an ambitious list of goals designed to make Orlando a leader in environmental sustainability over the next decade.


Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› It’s a cautious time for business, BB&T chairman tells Miami chamber
Kelly King, chairman and chief executive of BB&T, which recently acquired BankAtlantic, spoke at a Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Wednesday. See what he had to say.

Seeking Nominations
Floridian of the Year
Florida Trend is taking nominations for its 2013 Floridian of the Year issue. Remember: This isn't a lifetime achievement award. We're looking for the Floridians who you think had the biggest impact on the state during 2012. Please email us here.

› In Jacksonville and U.S., more gave up looking for work
Unemployment rates fell in August in Jacksonville and in nearly 90 percent of large U.S. metro areas, mainly because more people gave up looking for work.

› Customs still slow at MIA
More than 700 travelers per day miss connecting flights out of Miami International Airport because they spend more than an hour clearing customs, MIA officials say.

› Sarasota worker threatens to sue over computer allegations
A local attorney representing a manager in the city's information technology department is threatening to sue the city and a company it hired to investigate allegations of computer-related crimes, claiming the company broke the law by releasing confidential information.