U.S. planned job cuts jump while Florida's drop

Planned job cuts by U.S.-based employers surged 41 percent in October to 47,724, due to a spate of layoff announcements in the wake of weak quarterly earnings reports, according to a report Thursday by global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Florida had 645 announced layoffs in October, a decrease from 1,818 in September. Year-to-date, the state has had 13,904 job cuts, according to Challenger. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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Florida crime stats down

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released its 2012 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report today showing a drop in crime volume for the first six months this year. Crime fell 3.8 percent compared to the first six months of 2011. More at WFTX and see the full data from FDLE.

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Business Expert: Social media vital to all business

Education Trend Brew School Beer drinking is a popular extracurricular at most colleges, but the study of brewing is filling classroom seats at Florida International University. Professor Barry Gump’s brewing-science course has expanded from a summer-only offering in 2007 to one that merits two sections each semester. » Full story from the Miami Herald » FIU Beer Academy

Social media today is as much about the individual as the brand. As social media becomes more and more ingrained in our daily lives, the need for a company social media policy becomes increasingly more important. Your employees not only represent themselves online but they also represent your brand or business online — whether they want to or not. More at Florida Today.

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Orlando draws political tourists in tight Florida contest

The contest within Orlando’s suburbs and surrounding counties reflects the tightening race for the biggest electoral prize among states both campaigns view as competitive, with the latest poll showing a virtual tie in Florida. More at Businessweek.

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PortMiami begins second leg of tunnel dig

Harriet the tunnel boring machine on Tuesday began digging the second leg of the PortMiami tunnel — the westbound lanes of the under-the-bay facility linking the MacArthur Causeway with the port. More at the Miami Herald.

Travel Gem Pillars Hotel It's been a hidden gem in Fort Lauderdale, but the word now is out: The Pillars Hotel has been voted best hotel in Florida in the latest annual survey of readers of the upscale Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The Pillars stands out as an intimate European-style villa on the IntraCoastal Waterway, known for understated elegance and personal service. The well-landscaped property features just 18 guest rooms, including suites, and serves fine dinners only for guests and members of its Secret Garden dining club. » More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel » The Pillars Hotel » Conde Nast Traveler

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