Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida's population is 20 million strong

This report focuses on trends in migration, diversity, population, density; the ‘silver tsunami;’ where Floridians came from, and challenges that comes from 20 million residents -- including housing and infrastructure demand. Access full article.

Business leaders to gather as Florida's retail industry sizzles

More than 4,000 retail industry professionals — including contractors, real estate developers and brand executives — flock to the International Council of Shopping Centers conference every year to ink deals and discuss future projects for Florida. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Trophies and transcripts

Studies have shown that a school’s successful athletic program can have a positive impact on a university’s exposure, attracting students to the university, as well as increasing application, retention, and graduation rates.
“Boosting graduation rates at each Florida University would result in a more highly educated workforce,” said Robert Weissert, Senior VP for Research at Florida TaxWatch. “Reducing the number of students dropping out of Florida colleges means a better prepared workforce, and could reduce unemployment in the Sunshine State.” Read the report here.

Florida's unemployment fund below recommended level

Florida's unemployment insurance trust fund, used to pay workers' benefits after they are laid off, falls below the recommended level to meet obligations if unemployment begins rising again. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Airfare deals pop up as airlines wage limited fare wars

Don’t expect widespread sales or cheap flights home for Thanksgiving. But a number of cities are seeing ridiculously low prices at off-peak hours — prices the industry has spent years trying to eliminate. [Source: AP]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Lottery secretary quits — under fire [Palm Beach Post]
Florida Lottery Secretary Cynthia O’Connell announced Friday that she was quitting amid questions about her travel and spending on the job.

› Business in the new Fort Lauderdale goes beyond beaches and boats [Miami Herald]
Over the last two decades, Fort Lauderdale has evolved into a dynamic, ethnically and racially diverse city, a thriving center for businesses from the United States and overseas.

› Alachua County draws area gay weddings, but it's not a boon for business [Gainesville Sun]
Last year, The Williams Institute, which researches sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy, released a study predicting that extending marriage rights to gay couples in Florida would generate more than $182 million in spending.

› 'Village of Innovation' envisioned for Bradenton [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. on Friday launched an ambitious five-year plan that includes establishing a “Village of Innovation” in downtown Bradenton aimed at younger digital entrepreneurs looking for a place to get started.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Florida’s bike death rate highest in nation [TBO.com]
The news for Florida in a comprehensive new report on bicyclist deaths is dismal, leaving those who toil at the problem asking themselves whether to blame the roads or the people using them.

› New Everest University owner finding jobs, cutting costs for students [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Zenith Education Group in February bought 53 Everest and WyoTech campuses in 17 states from embattled Corinthian Colleges, which faced federal probes and a lawsuit.

› Jacksonville Community of Entrepreneurs accelerates businesses with 'Exceleration' program [Florida Times-Union]
It’s starting up the startups, literally. The Jacksonville Community of Entrepreneurs — an organization designed to help startup businesses — was created within the past year as a response to Jacksonville’s One Spark crowdfunding festival and now finds itself in a critical evolutionary state.

› Erika's remains roar over South Florida; Tropical Storm Fred forms [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Even as the remnants of Tropical Storm Erika created a thunderous stormy night in South Florida, Tropical Storm Fred emerged in the eastern Atlantic.