Florida exports down 3.4% in December

The latest international trade numbers show that $4.85 billion worth of goods left Florida for international markets in December, a decrease of 3.4 percent from November, according to Durham, N.H.-based e-forecasting.com. The December data is the most recent available. More at the Orlando Business Journal.

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Last day to enroll for Florida Pre-Paid plan at current rates

The Florida Pre-Paid College Board has just announced that families have only 2 days left to purchase a Florida Prepaid College fund using current prices. Right now the prices are unchanged from last year on the lump-sum payment schedule. More at WTXL.

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Miami tourism hit record numbers in 2013

The Business of Art 10 Oscar-worthy movies every entrepreneur should see Each year, Hollywood celebrates the best movies of the year at the Academy Awards. But underneath all the glitz, glam, and "who's wearing who?" there are some inspiring movies that entrepreneurs can learn from. Watching these cinematic features can actually help them think like better business owners. » See the list at NFIB

Miami-Dade continued its streak of record-setting tourism numbers last year, welcoming 14.2 million overnight visitors. Brazil and other Latin American markets such as Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela continued to show strength, contributing to a total of 7.13 million international guests. More at the Miami Herald.

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Florida discount airline not ready to take off

Florida Express Jet, a start-up airline focused on serving the state of Florida, will not launch in March as announced. The company had already begun selling tickets and released its inaugural routes, which would fly from Orlando to both Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee. More at the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

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Biotech company eyes Alachua for production center

A biomedical technology company aiming to remedy a global medical isotope shortage might settle in the city of Alachua, creating 164 high-paying jobs and making a capital investment of more than $227 million. More at the Gainesville Sun.

Energy Gainesville Renewable Energy Center The Gainesville Renewable Energy Center biomass power plant has been at the center of a lot of controversy in the last few years, but what’s not often talked about how the facility actually operates. Read about how the plant operates and see a slideshow from the North Central Florida Business Report.

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