Wednesday's Afternoon Update
Florida's economic growth in 2013 better than most of the country
Florida's economy grew slightly faster than the national average last year, according to government figures released early Wednesday. Florida's economic output — the state equivalent of the gross national product — grew by 2.2 percent based on estimates from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. More at the Tampa Bay Times and the Wall Street Journal.
See also:
» Report: Florida job creation slows slightly in May
Can Trade and Logistics Remake Florida?
Florida will soon pass New York and become the country’s third-largest state, and it’s still growing. The question for state and metropolitan leaders is how they can make sure the newly created jobs are more production-oriented and better able to withstand the economic shocks of tomorrow. More at Brookings.
NASA 'Aquanauts' to Test Space Exploration Tech
NASA is heading back to the ocean floor twice in the next three months to test out techniques and technologies that could improve astronauts' lives in orbit and help them explore an asteroid down the road. More at Space.com.
UF joins online university consortium
The University of Florida has joined a consortium of public research universities looking to develop a "learning ecosystem" that would enable them to seize control of their online learning programs and map out their own future. More at the Gainesville Sun.
Florida businesses cashing in on World Cup fever
Retailers across South Florida are joining the FIFA World Cup craze — and hoping to bank off it, too. While the normal hotels, bars and stores are doing their part, some unexpected events — think poetry readings on South Beach and soccer-themed makeovers — have cropped up as well. More at the Miami Herald.