2015 job growth leads to record-high employment in Florida

With an addition of 240,000 jobs in 2015, Florida continues to rise from the Great Recession, says Florida TaxWatch. Over the past year, all of Florida’s major industries have seen strong employment gains, with government being the only industry with a reduction in jobs. The unemployment rate has fallen to five percent, matching the national rate and reaching its lowest point since January 2008. Full report from Florida TaxWatch, here.

Corporations tying giving to business strategy

When it comes to U.S. corporate giving, the news is encouraging. More companies are engaging in smart and strategic community investment initiatives and seeing positive results. [Source: Tribune News Service]

Big-box retailers fight to tear down liquor-store walls

The fight is back to allow bourbon and bread in the same store. A handful of national retailers including Wal-Mart, Target and Walgreens are once again leading the charge to repeal a Prohibition-era state law that bans the sale of liquor in places that sell groceries. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Florida could decide GOP presidential nominee

What will Florida's role be in picking the Republican presidential nominee, when so many of 13 qualifying candidates likely will be weeded out before the state's March 15 primary? Decisive — "critical," even "huge," several Republican party consultants said — despite its relatively late date. [Source: TCPalm]

Florida ranked as second-fastest growing state

Heading into 2016, Florida's population is growing, and it's growing fast. With a population of 20 million, Florida is now ranked as the nation’s second-fastest growing state, right behind Texas. By 2030, the state’s population is predicted to rise to 26 million. [Source: FOX]

See also:
» Population gain is not surprising, but why?

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida wildlife agency may tighten rules for owning venomous snakes [AP]
State wildlife officials are considering tighter rules for owning venomous reptiles — or possibly banning ownership altogether.

› In Florida, dealing with climate change has become a local issue [Naples Daily News]
The state with the most to lose from a warming planet has become a symbol of the polarized debate surrounding climate change.

› Tallahassee economic forecast: ‘Bright 2016’ with focus on growth [Tallahassee Democrat]
As 2015 comes to a close, more small businesses are encouraged to see Tallahassee’s economy strengthening and that will likely lead to more new hires, expansions and relocations. Owners may also decide to invest back into the business with major purchases.

› Voters told to update signatures in advance of Florida's presidential primary [Tampa Bay times]
With a presidential primary right around the corner, many Florida voters are being told they must update their legal signatures to ensure that their absentee ballots will be counted.

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› Brevard's final home sales report of 2015 is a good one [Florida Today]
The Space Coast Association of Realtors reported that single-family home sales in November rose 0.5 percent compared to a year earlier while the median price for a home - the point at which half the homes sell for less, half for more - was up 26 percent, to $168,250.

› Best tips for working parents during the holiday season [Gainesville Business Report]
It’s not your imagination – holidays are stressful. The American Psychological Association’s 2008 holiday stress poll showed that more than eight out of 10 Americans anticipate stress during the holiday season.

› Kaufman Rossin sells funds services business for $95 million [Miami Herald]
Miami-based accounting firm Kaufman Rossin struck a deal to sell its independent funds services business for $95 million — and a “significant amount” of that fee will be distributed to the company’s employees, managing partner Blain Heckaman said.

› Could Tampa International Airport offer commercial flights to Cuba next year? [Tampa Bay Times]
Charter flights from Tampa International Airport have flown hundreds of thousands of people to Cuba in just four years. But next year, thousands more could be headed to Cuba as the United States and Cuba iron out a deal to allow more than 100 regular commercial flights to and from the island and the U.S. mainland
» See also: Questions arise as U.S., Cuba discuss relaxed travel plans