Florida banks' loan growth doubles national pace

Florida is a good state to live in for those seeking a loan, as the state’s banks grew their loans in the second quarter at more than double the national rate. The 188 Florida-based banks also improved their profitability despite tight interest margins. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]

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U.S. economy grew at brisk 4.2 percent rate

After a bleak start to the year, the U.S. economy grew at a brisk annual rate of 4.2 percent in the April-June quarter, the government said Thursday, slightly faster than it had first estimated. [Source: AP]

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Small firms slow to embrace ACA business exchanges

Only 2 percent of all eligible businesses have checked out so-called SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) exchanges in the 15 states where they have been available since last October under the Affordable Care Act. Even fewer purchased policies. [Source: Stateline]

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Pending home sales up 3.3% in July

More Americans signed contracts to buy homes in July, a sign that buying has improved as mortgage rates have slipped, the number of listings has risen and the rate of price increases has slowed. [Source: AP]

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Florida's legal leaders... ...chosen by their peers. • Full list of 1,165 Legal Elite • Legal Elite Hall of Fame • Top Government and   Non-Profit Attorneys • Up & Comers

Balancing Act: Ask questions before you volunteer

Many altruistic and frustrated volunteers are rethinking the well intentioned commitments that have zapped their enthusiasm and hijacked their free time. What may have started out as passion for a cause or a means to rub elbows has overwhelmed their schedules and led to burnout. [Source: Miami Herald]

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida Angel Nexus expands services for investors [South Florida Business Journal]
A statewide network of angel investors is rolling out an online portal to connect entrepreneurs and investors. Florida Angel Nexus aims to solve challenges for early-stage investors, who only want to commit small amounts of money.

› Miami New Construction Show kicks off [Miami Herald]
As a growing number of construction cranes stretch skyward in Miami, the first-ever trade show for new condominium construction kicks off Friday at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

› HCA opens first local 'seniors ER' at St. Petersburg General [Tampa Bay Times]
Emergency room patients come in all ages, but St. Petersburg General Hospital decided to focus a makeover on one group: seniors. The hospital, owned by national chain HCA, recently unveiled new senior-friendly details in its emergency department.

› Mobile home parks booming in Central Florida [My FOX Orlando]
Business is "moving in" big time in Central Florida, but not from mansions or conventional homes. Karen Rearden runs Four Star Homes. She said they're the leading resale operation for manufactured housing communities throughout Central Florida.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› St. Augustine rail firm has new owner [Florida Times-Union]
Roadway Worker Training in St. Augustine has been acquired by a Kentucky firm. R.J. Corman Railroad Group announced its purchase of RWT on Thursday.

› Florida Supreme Court rules in favor of FPL [CBSMiami/AP]
Saying it gives “great deference” to utility regulators, the state Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously rejected a challenge to rate increases approved in 2012 for Florida Power & Light.

› Miami Subs launching new brand, Miami Grill, with big expansion plans [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The problem with one of South Florida's most iconic restaurant chains is that people don't know it still exists, its CEO says.

› Amazon's first fulfillment center in Florida opens in Lakeland [Tampa Bay Times]
The Amazon distribution center in Lakeland is up and running. The online retailer said Thursday it shipped its first order out of the fulfillment center to a customer in New York. It was a CreativeWater 2-Tier Buffet Server.