Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

Gov. Rick Scott proposes $74 billion budget

Gov. Rick Scott packaged together his election-year priorities Wednesday, offering a $74 billion budget proposal to Florida lawmakers that is slightly below the current year budget. The budget proposal includes his wish-list of priorities, from more tax breaks for businesses to Everglades restoration to lowering the state’s debt ratio. More at the Miami Herald and the Orlando Sentinel.


Citrus Bowl demolition, renovation begin

The scoreboard at the 78-year-old Citrus Bowl came down Wednesday morning followed by fireworks as AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" boomed over the loud speakers. The ceremony full of pomp marked the beginning of the demolition of a facility often begrudged for showing its age and holding Orlando back. More at the Orlando Sentinel.


One Spark gets $3.25 million infusion from Jaguars owner Shad Khan

Benchmarks

18 ways to measure Florida's economy

economy
The more diverse ways we measure the economy and compare ourselves to others, the closer we can get to an honest answer to this question: How are we really doing?

Tampa Bay Times Business Columnist Robert Trigaux outlines some ways to measure Florida's recent economic progress.

Jacksonville’s One Spark festival got a huge financial boost Wednesday. Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan along with Arsenal Venture Partners, Palm Ventures, Florida Blue and UE Investors combined forces to offer up to $3.25 million in combined potential investment opportunities to the entrepreneurial and arts festival slated for April 9-13. More at the Florida Times-Union.


New airline, familiar name to launch in Miami

An airline with a familiar name is looking to fly out of South Florida again. Eastern Air Lines Group announced Tuesday that it has taken the first step to launching a new airline in Miami. More at the AP.


Tupperware profit increases but misses expectations

Orlando-based Tupperware Brands Corporation's sales and profit climbed in its fourth quarter, but both those results and the outlook for its current year missed analyst estimates. Sales increased 1 percent to $717.1 million and profit jumped 20 percent to $89.7 million, or $1.74 per share. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Education
Florida colleges relax gun policies

condoFlorida's colleges and universities are pulling the trigger on zero tolerance for guns on campus. Broward College on Tuesday became the latest school to allow firearms on campus, provided they are kept locked inside vehicles. The policy change follows a recent state court decision striking down the University of North Florida's ban on weapons in cars.

» More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel