Friday's Daily Pulse
Productivity in U.S. rises more than forecast
The productivity of U.S. workers rose more than projected in the third quarter, helping to contain labor costs even as employment picks up. The Labor Department said on Thursday productivity grew at a 2.0 percent annual rate after expanding at an upwardly revised 2.9 percent pace in the second quarter. More from Reuters and Bloomberg.
Opinion: Florida’s skilled labor shortage is challenging
Florida’s construction sector is booming with 40,000 new jobs added in the past year alone, according to the U.S. Labor Department. But a shortage of skilled labor is confronting construction firms across the state. [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida’s craft beer industry sees growth despite growler ban
According to the UF study, as of last year, 122 craft breweries were operating in the state of Florida. A longstanding ban on the popular 64-ounce growler prevents Florida craft breweries from filling or selling containers of that size. [Source: WUFT]
Seniors' income rebounds, but many still hurting
Five years after the recession ended, income for some seniors is rising while the population as a whole loses ground. Economist William B. Stronge, professor emeritus at Florida Atlantic University, said seniors have received yearly increases in Social Security payments while many workers have not seen a raise in years. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Leery of risk, NASA prepares for capsule's debut flight
Mindful of two U.S. space accidents last week, NASA unveiled plans on Thursday for the first test flight of its Orion capsule, designed to eventually fly astronauts to Mars. [Source: Reuters]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Jacksonville seeing boom in defense business [Jacksonville Business Journal]
Economic opportunities for military contractors and defense-related businesses in Florida are booming, according to experts attending Thursday's First Coast Defense Expo.
› Volusia tops state for home-price growth [Orlando Sentinel]
Florida's leader, by far, for home-price gains during the third quarter was the Volusia County, which includes Deltona, DeBary, and Daytona Beach, a new study shows.
» See also: Tampa Bay home sales up, but prices plunge
› Palm Beach County aims for 6.6 million tourists in 2015 [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Palm Beach County wants to attract 6.6 million tourists in 2015, 600,000 more than last year. That number of visitors would bring in about $7.5 billion in economic impact and create 66,000 new tourism-related jobs countywide.
› Mystery company scouting Central Florida for 1 million square feet of warehouse space [Tampa Bay Business Journal]
A mystery company is on the hunt for a site that could accommodate a 1 million square foot warehouse in Central Florida. A company that hasn't divulged its identity is looking at sites in the Interstate 4 corridor, between Tampa and Orlando.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Court reaffirms BP is liable in Gulf oil spill [AP]
A federal appeals court panel has reaffirmed its ruling that BP is liable for federal Clean Water Act damages stemming from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
› National Average Gas Prices Fall Below $3 Per Gallon [WUFT]
For the first time in four years, the national average price for a gallon of gas is under $3. According to the American Automobile Association, the current national average is $2.96.
› Collier County, Florida, Features Highly Successful Farm to School Program [USDA]
Farm to school programs engage students, teachers, and communities on the importance of healthier eating habits, local food systems, and provide nutritional education that stimulates the mind and has a lasting effect.
› Disney, Mall at Millenia welcome the business of Christmas [Orlando Business Journal]
November has just begun, but Santa Claus is already coming to town, not just to bring gifts to good boys and girls but also spreading cheer to Central Florida businesses from retailers to theme parks.