Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Tuesday's Afternoon Update

Tourism leaders use wintry weather to pitch Florida

US weather from Wunderground.comIn a departure from typical weather patterns, this December is unusual in that the winter waves have spared Florida, making the contrast with a frigid north even sharper. The current climatic contrast between slushy gloom and warm, balmy days is a boon — one tourism officials hope will put the Sunshine State on more people's mental maps. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and WFLA.


Office Depot picks Florida over Illinois for new headquarters

Office Depot said Tuesday it has chosen Boca Raton, Fla. for its new headquarters over Naperville. Office Depot completed its merger with Naperville-based OfficeMax last month, but the pair hadn't yet announced where the combined company would be based. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Chicago Tribune.


Editor's Column

Why do some Floridians object to Common Core State Standards?

ecosystem
I confess to being stupefied by the recent outpouring of objection to the Common Core State Standards Initiative. The sudden evolution of Common Core into a political football represents a huge failure of leadership by Gov. Rick Scott, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart and the state Board of Education.

» Read Florida Trend Executive Editor Mark Howard's full column.

Supreme Court won't rule on union-casino agreement

The Supreme Court won't decide the legality of an agreement between a union and a Florida casino in which the business helped the union organize in return for help with a ballot initiative on gambling. More at the AP.


Lawmakers push financial literacy course for high school students

Educators, business groups and lawmakers from both political parties are pushing legislation that would add a new graduation requirement for Florida high school students: A mandatory, half-credit course in financial literacy. More at the Tallahassee Democrat.


Duke Energy wants 60 years to tear down its nuke plant

Duke's Energy's shuttered nuclear-power plant in Florida will be "placed in a safe, stable condition for 60 years until decommissioning work is completed in 2074," according to a utility announcement today that it has submitted a plan to federal authorities for tearing down the troubled facility. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Social Media
Four Keys to Using Social Media to Grow Your Business

social mediaIf managed and operated correctly social media can be extremely effective in building lasting relationships with fans and customers. With the right social media strategy your business can attract its target audience, stimulate engagement, and turn social activity into business impact.

» More from the North Central Florida Business Report