How the economy would’ve looked in normal weather

Much discussion has taken place recently about the dreadful weather and its impact on economic data. From two disappointing jobs reports to downbeat manufacturing data to Thursday’s sour retail-sales report, the weather has been used to explain away the recent economic soft patch. And it’s only expected to get worse. [Source: Wall Street Journal]

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South Florida real estate market has international appeal

South Florida’s commercial and residential real estate markets remain hot for international investors as well as for homeowners moving from suburbs to downtown cores. Outside investments are good, but Related Group CEO Jorge Perez said one thing Miami needs is more local buyers. [Source: Miami Herald]

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On Valentine’s Day, thank these guys for bringing the roses

If Cupid were to have a home, it would be Miami International Airport. In the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, about 738 million flowers — 85 percent of imported flowers — come through the Florida airport. Los Angeles is a distant second, with 44 million. [Source: AP]

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Report links Florida film industry to tourism dollars

For every dollar they’re given in state tax credits, movies and television shows filmed in Florida could put more than $20 back into state coffers, according to a study released this week from the film industry. Specifically, the study looked at how much tourism money the film industry could attract from 2011 through 2017. That ranged from about $1.6 billion to $5.9 billion [Source: Miami Herald]

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Older hotels get makeovers as investors pour in money

When the 718-room Radisson Resort near Celebration sold a year ago, the hotel was long overdue for a face-lift. Hotels typically get an overhaul every seven years or so, and the Radisson hadn't seen one in about 15. The Radisson is just one of the hotels getting major upgrades as money pours into Central Florida's lodging market. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida's golf industry visits the Capitol [WTXL]
Top representatives of Florida's golf industry visited the state capitol Thursday in recognition of "Florida Golf Day" to share messages about the game's economic impact, youth development programs, sustainability practices and environmental benefits.

› Scripps Florida awarded $2.3M for memory research [South Florida Business Journal]
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter won a $2.3 million grant to study deficits in long-term memory and related brain diseases.

› Quest Workspaces offering free space in Doral [Miami Herald]
Quest Workspaces said it is donating rent-free office space, virtual offices and conference room rentals to local non-profits and charities at its new business center in Doral.

› Social-media ad firm raises capital to add 40 jobs [Orlando Sentinel]
Social-media advertising networker IZEA Inc. says it is poised to raise $12 million from investors that will finance its latest expansion and the creation of as many as 40 new jobs this year.

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› Boat-sharing website launching during Miami Boat Show [South Florida Business Journal]
BoatSetter.com, a South Florida startup aimed at the fledgling boat-sharing industry, is making its official launch Saturday during the Miami Boat Show. BoatSetter is one of several local companies launching a website where boat owners can rent their vessels to others, complete with insurance underwriting.

› Miami moves to ban sale of e-cigarettes to minors [Miami Herald]
The city of Miami took its first step Thursday to make the sale of trendy e-cigarettes to minors illegal. The city commission voted unanimously on first reading to ban the sale of the popular devices to people under the age of 18.

› Food Network's 'Restaurant Impossible' heading to Orange City [Orlando Sentinel]
The Food Network is taping an episode of chef Robert Irvine's Restaurant: Impossible Feb. 18 and 19 at Bumbino's Italian Restaurant in Orange City. And producers are looking for volunteers to help with the renovation of the restaurant.

› Miami Beach to spend up to $400 million to deal with flooding issues [Miami Herald]
Miami Beach, which sometimes floods from the bay even on a sunny day, is taking major steps to stay dry, with commissioners voting this week to factor in higher tides and sea levels when planning for city projects.