Leading index rises more than forecast

The index of U.S. leading indicators rose more than forecast in February, a sign the world’s largest economy will strengthen after a weather-induced slowdown in the first quarter. The Conference Board’s gauge of the outlook for the next three to six months climbed 0.5 percent, the biggest gain since November. More at Bloomberg.

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Publisher's Column Adding Value with an MBA Each year, Florida Trend explores the MBA programs offered in the state. What was once a fixed two-year regimen now ranges from the traditional schedule to weekend programs, online programs, accelerated programs and all manner of combinations. This year’s report starts with a focus on how professors integrate their real-world experiences into the classroom. » Full story

Kiplinger's names UF a Best Value Large School

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine has named the University of Florida No. 3 nationally among public institutions in its 2014 list of 10 Best Values in Large Colleges. More at the Gainesville Business Report.

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Osceola's tourism agency may go private

After months of study, Osceola County officials have taken the first step toward turning their government-run tourism agency into a privately run organization led by industry officials. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

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It's curtain time for 29th Palm Beach boat show

The 29th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show is shipshape and ready to launch. The boating showcase runs Thursday through Sunday along the Intracoastal Waterway on Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach and will feature more than $1 billion worth of yachts, boats and accessories, according to organizers. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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Port Canaveral prepares for growth spurt

Two giant cargo cranes are scheduled to arrive by barge at Port Canaveral on Friday morning, a tangible symbol of the port’s goal to expand its cargo business. Port officials are excited about how quickly the port’s cruise business is growing. More at Florida Today.

Entertainment Sea-ing Opportunities In a public-private deal three years in the making, Royal Caribbean Cruises plans to build a $20-million, 130,000-sq.-ft. training facility in south Florida for its shipboard performers on land leased to it by Florida International University. This story is part of a Miami-Dade news roundup, here.