Sharp drop in U.S. unemployment rate belies poor job growth in December

U.S. businesses hired fewer than half the number of workers expected in December, but the unemployment rate dropped significantly to 6.7 percent, signaling an exit of workers from the labor force. Economists had expected job creation to be closer to 200,000 payroll positions, but only 74,000 were created. Nearly 350,000 people left the labor force in December, causing a drop in the national unemployment rate. [Source: Palm Beach Post]

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Florida Icon: An interview with Hooters’ CEO Ed Droste The co-founder of the Clearwater Beach-based “brestaurant” chain shares lessons he’s picked up through life. One thought: "Entrepreneurs worry all the time. You’re going to bed a little bit scared and waking up a little scared, but that’s why you do it. You like that little fear factor." » Read more

Gov. Scott wants to set aside $100 million for Florida tourism push

Gov. Rick Scott said he wants a big boost in the money spent on trying to lure more tourists to Florida, asking state legislators to set aside $100 million for Visit Florida, the agency responsible marketing the Sunshine State. Scott made the announcement Friday at Orlando International Airport. [Source: MyNews13.com] Also see the Governor's press release here.

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Deadly flu season impacting Florida

Flu season is in full swing across the country and in central Florida at least 12 people have died from influenza since last October, including five people under 40 years old. According to the University of Florida’s Shands Hospital, in addition to the deaths, the system has seen more than 150 hospital admissions during the same time frame. UF said the trend in central Florida is being seen in cities across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control. [Source: CBS Miami]

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» FRIDAY PREVIEW: Coming next week to FloridaTrend.com:

• Blockbuster law cases: Some of 2013's biggest cases and their significance
• Lifestyle: Private jet services cater to executives
  Two private jet services -- Aura Jets and Flexjet -- offer flexible flying with plenty of perks.
• Dining: New global restaurant brands make their way into Florida
  A new class of global culinary labels — “chains” may be too crass a label — is moving into Florida.

» You'll find all these stories first on the Daily and Afternoon Pulse e-mails.

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Quiz Sunshine, swing votes, and sinkholes: Think you know Florida? Take this quiz! From the Christian Science Monitor: So you own a pair of Mickey Mouse ears and prefer your orange juice fresh-squeezed, but that doesn't mean you know Florida. It's the state that has it all, from battleground politics and epic ecosystems to mythic reptiles and senior snowbirds. So slip on some shades: It's time for a quiz about the Sunshine State. » Go to the quiz