Florida gains small business jobs

Florida’s entrepreneurial focus helped it add jobs in December, according to a new report on small business employment from Intuit. Florida’s small business employment grew by two-tenths of a percent in December. More at the South Florida Business Journal and Intuit.

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Common Core foes keep pressure up in Florida

Opponents of Florida's move to full implementation of the Common Core state standards continue to fight against the initiative, as state lawmakers renew their conversation about education accountability leading to their 2014 session. More at the Tampa Bay Times.

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» Core Wars: Why are Floridians objecting to Common Core State Standards?

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In flurry of end-of-year land deals, hints of strong 2014 for building

Executive Health & Wellness The Look of Success Youth-enhancing cosmetic treatments and aesthetic procedures are seen as a career investment. It’s rare that Florida’s executive health programs include consultation with a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. However, most will refer patients if they request it. » Full story

Developers closed on a flurry of land deals to end 2013 — from luxury home sites to vacant commercial tracts — suggesting that Southwest Florida’s construction industry will continue its upswing this year. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

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Gators top Seminoles: $661M to $278M

The Texas Longhorns remain the nation's most valuable college football team, at $875 million, although the Florida Gators are No. 5 at almost $661 million and the Florida State University Seminoles are No. 22 at almost $278 million. More at the Jacksonville Daily Record.

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Men's Wearhouse launches hostile takeover of Jos A. Bank

With the offer of $57.50 cash for each of Hampstead-based Bank's outstanding shares, Men's Wearhouse is bypassing the retailer's management to appeal directly to shareholders. The so-called hostile takeover bid is the latest volley in the war to control a merger that analysts now see as all but inevitable. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Out of the Box Tackling Florida's Python Problem, One Luxury Handbag At A Time Camille Zarsky wants to source pythons for her luxury handbags from the Everglades, tackling an environmental problem while sourcing locally. Easier said than done. Read more from Fast Company and see a collection of luxury handbags made from pythons at Camille Zarsky.

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