Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Friday's Afternoon Update

State unemployment rate drops slightly

Florida's unemployment rate in April dipped to 6.2 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point from March and 1.4 percentage points lower than a year ago, state officials announced Friday. The state added 34,000 jobs over the month and almost 247,000 jobs over the year – an increase of 3.3 percent. More at the Orlando Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.


Red Lobster restaurant chain sold for $2.1 billion

Darden Restaurants says it will sell its Red Lobster chain to investment firm Golden Gate Capital in a $2.1 billion cash deal. The company, which also owns Olive Garden, had announced late last year that it planned to either spin off or sell Red Lobster to improve its financial performance. More at the AP.


El Niño's rise could be good news for Florida

Florida History

Preserving a passion

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Fifty years ago, the bands of surfers who paddled into the ocean to ride the waves off Palm Beach County faced arrest.

It took an unlikely group to challenge the laws. They fought all the way to the state Supreme Court and won, changing the tides of history.

» Full story from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

An El Niño is brewing in the Pacific Ocean, which could wreak havoc in much of the world in the coming months. But it could be good news for Florida, where El Niño-driven winds can shear apart storms before they strengthen to hurricanes.. More at Florida Today.

See also:
» Hurricane forecast: Lucky streak will end


Florida lobbying firms collect millions in first quarter

Amid high-stakes debates about issues such as expanded gambling, legislative lobbyists raked in millions of dollars in fees during the first three months of the year, newly filed reports show. More at the Jacksonville Business Journal.


Proposed Internet access rules could hurt Miami tech community

A proposal passed Thursday by the FCC could allow companies to pay for priority access on the Internet. Miami tech startups fear the move could stymy growth but the FCC chairman says the new system contains safeguards. More at the Miami Herald.

Sports Business
Why the Miami Heat’s big success has meant little profit for Miami-Dade County

miami heatThe hottest player in basketball didn’t do much for Miami-Dade’s profit-sharing deal with the Miami Heat. LeBron James helped create $90 million in surplus cash during his first three seasons playing for the Heat at the AmericanAirlines Arena. But the county received only one profit-sharing check during that time period.

» Full story from the Miami Herald