USDA predicts smaller citrus crop in Florida

The smallest orange crop in 24 years will get smaller as disease-related pre-harvest fruit drop continues to plague Florida groves. The U.S. Department of Agriculture shaved 4 million orange boxes, or 3 percent, off the projected 2013-14 orange harvest Tuesday in the first monthly update since its initial Nov. 8 forecast. More at the Lakeland Ledger and the AP.

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BB&T Center makes pitch for a casino

In Michael Yormark's vision for his corner of Broward County, a night on the town would include a big-name concert and a bite to eat or a nightcap with a little gambling. A hotel would be handy for tourists. Not unlike what's available at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. But before Yormark's plan for Sunrise could happen, the state Legislature would have to change the rules. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the South Florida Business Journal.

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Citrix named a 'best workplace' by Glassdoor employee survey

Profile Tyndall AFB/Eglin AFB Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City has flown the first unmanned QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target. Beginning next year, the modified F-16 Fighting Falcon replaces the QF-4 previously used for target practice during pilot training. Boeing is converting some fighters into drones now. » Full story

For the fourth year in a row, Fort Lauderdale's Citrix Systems has been named one of the best places to work by employees who gave their feedback through Glassdoor.com. Citrix, which has 1,600 employees in South Florida and committed to adding 200 jobs over three years in August, credited its culture for the award. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Related Florida Trend Content
» Florida's Best Companies To Work For 2013
» 350 Biggest Florida Companies

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Obamacare enrollment in Florida: 17,908 and counting

About 110,000 eligible Americans selected a health plan in November using the federal online insurance exchange at healthcare.gov — more than four times the rate for October, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported on Tuesday. Florida led the way, with 17,908 people signing up since Oct. 1. More at the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post, and WTSP.

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Sarasota Business is First Company In Southwest Florida To Accept Bitcoin

Rich Swier founded HUB in Sarasota. HuB is a business incubator of sorts that provides space and resources to entrepreneurs and startups in the area. Swier said in the past year he’s taken an interest in this new form of digital currency called “bitcoin.” More at WGCU.

Out of the Box Sweet Success BBX Capital Corp. has gone from a bank holding company to the owner of a chocolate factory with its latest acquisition. The Fort Lauderdale-based company, which sold BankAtlantic to BB&T Corp. in 2012, bought Lake Worth-based Hoffman’s Chocolates. Opened in 1975, the company makes gourmet chocolates. Read more from the South Florida Business Journal and the Palm Beach Post.

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