Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Friday's Afternoon Update

Florida unemployment stagnates In February

Florida’s unemployment rate in February remained unchanged from January at 6.2 percent. While the rate is down 1.7 percent from a year ago, the reasons behind the drop remain elusive. More at CBS Miami, the Tampa Bay Times, the Palm Beach Post and the Orlando Sentinel.


Spring break piles on already booming tourism season

Record-breaking winter weather up North and a largely stabilizing economy are sending sun-seekers flocking to Florida, lighting up cash registers across the state. More at Florida Today.


Trader Joe's, Publix top list of best supermarkets

Travel

Customs Kiosks

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It just got easier to return to the USA at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airport has installed 10 automated passport kiosks that help you pass through customs more quickly.

No more standing around in line. No more waiting for a customs officer to thumb through your documents. Just scan your passport and you're off.

» Full story from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Based on various customer satisfaction ratings, Consumer Reports has put out its annual list of the best supermarkets across the U.S. and Publix has made it near the top of the list. More at the Orlando Sentinel.


Applied Genetic Technologies nets $50M in IPO

Alachua-based Applied Genetic Technologies Corp. raised $50 million through an initial public offering Thursday after offering nearly 4.2 million shares at $12 each. The biotechnology company started trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol AGTC. More at the Gainesville Sun.


California theme park company to buy Miami Seaquarium

The Miami Seaquarium, the Virginia Key tourist attraction that has drawn millions of visitors to see the famous Flipper lagoon and get splashed by Lolita the killer whale, is being sold. More at the Miami Herald.

Economics
Living Wage Calculator

calculatorSt. Petersburg's C1 Bank recently adopted a 'living wage rate' for all employees. Wonder what that means? MIT has developed a living wage calculator to estimate the cost of living in communities across the country. The calculator lists typical expenses, the living wage and typical wages for the selected location. Check to see what a living wage is in your town, city or region.