Friday's Afternoon Update
House Gaming committee votes to ban Internet cafes
The House Select Committee on Gaming took a step towards banning strip center Internet cafes that opponents say are simply illegal gambling establishments. The committee voted 15-1 today on an amended bill (HB 155) that would further clarify the definition of slot machines used at Internet cafés and adult arcades, essentially outlawing the facilities. More from the Tallahassee Democrat, the Orlando Sentinel and the AP.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Spurred by strong tourism numbers, hospitality companies have been purchasing and renovating South Beach hotels at a furious pace during the past two years. |
Sarasota entrepreneurs catch ride on Startup Bus
When Lindsey Nickel-de la O and Miguel Elasmar boarded a Greyhound bus bound for the South by Southwest music and interactive festival this month, they didn't expect to fully launch their startup businesses during the five-day road trip. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Shark Tank’s Daymond John shares story at EO conference
Shark Tank star Daymond John parlayed his passion for hip-hop and entrepreneurship to go from waiting tables to founding and growing FUBU, a $4 billion urban fashion empire. But as John told nearly 400 entrepreneurs in a Fontainebleau ballroom, there is no such thing as an overnight success. [Source: Miami Herald]
» FRIDAY PREVIEW: Coming next week to FloridaTrend.com:
- Advocacy: Florida's Top Lobbying Firms 2013
- Cargo Opportunity: Tampa Port Authority's new CEO Paul Anderson plans to target imports from Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Flying High on Renewable Biofuel: The first-ever civilian flight powered by 100% renewable biofuel marked a triumphant conclusion to six years of research at the Panama City offices of Applied Research Associates.
- Profile: Summit Learning Services: Entrepreneur Ed Cwieka and public school teacher Jeanee Thompson met in 2006, opened their tutoring business in 2007 and plan to get married this year. Their Plantation-based Summit Learning Services has blossomed like their relationship.
» You'll find all these stories first on the Daily and Afternoon Pulse e-mails.