Are ‘cowboys’ helping save the U.S. economy?

Cowboys are helping to prop up a lackluster U.S. economy, with pick-up truck sales providing outsized support. Sales of pickup trucks normally account for 1 percent of gross domestic product but in the third quarter of 2015, contributed to nearly 6 percent of all GDP growth, DBS estimates. [Source: CNBC]

Do Americans dream of longer holidays?

At the annual World Travel Market gathering of travel industry movers and shakers in London this week, "the American Dream Part 2" was one of the rallying slogans, highlighting the possibility that people in the US might now be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour by taking more holidays. [Source: BBC News]

Florida House advances term limits proposal for Florida Supreme Court justices

Florida's Supreme Court justices and District Court of Appeals judges would be limited to two terms in office under a proposed constitutional amendment that gained initial favor from a House committee Tuesday. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Factory orders decline again in September

New orders for factory goods in the United States fell for a second consecutive month in September as the manufacturing industry continues to struggle under the weight of a strong dollar and deep spending cuts by energy companies. More from the New York Times and Finance & Commerce.

See also:
» U.S. rail freight falls as industrial economy struggles

Number of Cubans intercepted at sea at highest level in two decades

More Cubans were stopped at sea while trying to reach the U.S. in the past year than at any time since the chaotic rafter crisis of 1994, according to figures from the U.S. Coast Guard. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Orlando-based angel fund completes $5M capital raise [Orlando Sentinel]
An Orlando-based angel fund for startup companies said Tuesday it has completed raising its goal of $5 million to begin investing in tech and life science companies. The goal of the fund is to offer faster cash, and advice, to promising local startups.

› Is Jacksonville missing opportunities in Cuba? [Florida Politics]
In North Florida, business leaders are fretting that Jacksonville’s missing out – with zero official delegations to Havana to date.

› Commissioners OK incentives for Titusville boat maker [Florida Today]
Catamaran maker Falcon Marine LLC received its property tax break from Brevard County on Tuesday. But it wasn't totally smooth sailing for the Titusville-based company.

› Seacoast to acquire Lake Mary-based bank for $76.5M [Orlando Sentinel]
Seacoast Banking Corp. is continuing to acquire banks in Central Florida, announcing Tuesday that it acquired 10 new branch locations in Orlando and Daytona.

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› Group wants Seminole to be ground zero for ending greyhound racing [Orlando Sentinel]
In an effort to sway public sentiment against greyhound racing, animal-welfare advocates announced Monday that they're launching a Seminole County ballot initiative requiring the disclosure of injury reports on the dogs and for the dogs to be licensed.

› Office Depot's sales weak, but income rises as stores close [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Office Depot, primed to merge with rival Staples, saw higher operating income on weaker overall sales for its third quarter ended Sept. 26. But the office-supply retailer, which employs about 2,000 at its headquarters in Boca Raton, said its same-store sales increased by 3 percent.

› Sun Hydraulics profit falls 15% [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Sun Hydraulics Corp., the Sarasota-based maker of screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds, on Monday reported third-quarter earnings of $8.4 million, or 32 cents per share, a 15 percent decrease from the same period last year.

› South Florida company keeps a winning strategy [Miami Herald]
Milam’s Markets is a four-store family-owned grocery chain that has served the Miami area for more than 30 years. Three Milam brothers and a sister are the company’s top four executives and a total of 10 family members are involved with the stores.