Thursday's Afternoon Update
Unemployment aid applications near 6-year low
The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell 5,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 305,000, the second-lowest level in six years. Steady declines in applications show that very few companies are laying off workers. More at the AP.
Jacksonville company ranked top U.S. small business
Professional Placement Resources, or PPR Talent Management Group, in Jacksonville Beach had been listed among the top 25 best small businesses in America for about a decade in a Fortune magazine rating, but this year the company nabbed the top spot. Read more from the Florida Times-Union and see a slideshow.
USDA to test new trap to catch Everglades pythons
Federal wildlife officials alarmed by an infestation of Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades have tried radio tracking collars, a massive public hunt and even snake-sniffing dogs to control the invasive species. Now there's talk of snaring the elusive pythons in specially designed traps. More at the AP.
Rainy spell brings business to a halt
The seemingly endless rains that pounded Southwest Florida in recent weeks have stung revenues for a slew of area businesses already fighting to survive one of the slowest months of the year. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Judge tosses key part of Florida med-mal law
A federal judge has rejected a key part of the state's new medical-malpractice law, saying it conflicts with federal requirements designed to prevent the improper disclosure of patients' health information. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle in Tallahassee came less than four months after Gov. Rick Scott signed the law. More at the Orlando Sentinel.