Tuesday's Afternoon Update
Small business optimism highest since Great Recession
Small business optimism has reached the highest level it has been at since the third quarter of 2008, according to a new survey conducted by Wells Fargo & Co. ( WFC ) and the Gallup Organization. The Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index improved nine points since the second quarter and 36 points since the fourth quarter of 2012, to a positive 25. More from the Dow Jones Business News and the Wall Street Journal.
Miami Jai-Alai files for bankruptcy
Less than two years after opening a casino, the Miami Jai-Alai facility filed for bankruptcy protection as its parent company fends off a foreclosure from the holder of an $87 million loan. In a stock filing Monday night, Florida Gaming Corp. disclosed the Chapter 11 filing, saying the terms of a pending sale would essentially wipe out the company. More at the Miami Herald.
Florida firm to build new cargo dock at Port of Brownsville, Texas
It’s taken years to get to this point, but a new cargo dock for the Port of Brownsville is about to become a reality now that a construction contract has been awarded. The port’s board of commissioners on Aug. 7 awarded the contract to Shoreline Foundation Inc. of Pembroke, Fla. The board concluded that Shoreline’s bid of just under $21 million was the “lowest and best” bid submitted for the project, dubbed “Dock 16.” More at the Brownsville Herald.
» The Florida-Texas Connection
Margaritaville groundbreaking planned for Thursday
Take note, Parrotheads. The developer of Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort will host a groundbreaking bash for local dignitaries at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Johnson Street bandshell. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
» A Resort for a Song
Digital Risk to lay off 112 in Boca Raton, but what of its incentive packages?
Mortgage risk analysis firm Digital Risk LLC is laying off 112 employees at its Boca Raton facility. The Maitland-based company opened its Boca Raton facility in June 2012 and has so far received nearly $1.1 million in local and state job incentive packages. More at the South Florida Business Journal.