Wednesday's Afternoon Update
Small business owners bullish on 2016 outlook
Small business owners are charging full speed ahead into 2016 despite some concerns over growth in the last year. 67% of small business owners plan to hire more employees over the next year, compared with 51% in 2014. More at FOX Business.
Pent-up demand fueled Gainesville construction boom in 2015
Development returned to Gainesville with a vengeance in 2015 with the construction of several projects to meet pent-up demand for new stores, apartments, houses and offices after a lull that started during the recession. More at the Gainesville Sun.
Smart-pill-bottle company SMRxT moves headquarters to Orlando
SMRxT, a company that makes smart pill bottles, is moving its headquarter to Orlando from New York, bringing with it 55 new jobs and making a $580,000 capital investment in the community, the state announced on Tuesday. More at the Orlando Sentinel.
Miami Gardens police use tech to reduce celebratory gunfire
Every year around this time, South Florida police and clergy make a public plea to end the reckless tradition of firing guns into the air when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Now, a new technology is helping police track down those who ignore those pleas. More at the AP and the Miami Herald.
Study: Cancer survivors have higher medical costs
There are more than 14 million cancer survivors living in the United States and studies are beginning to reveal that they face unique issues compared to people who haven't had cancer. That includes higher medical costs. More at the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida History
Air Traffic Jams
Airports have been a growth engine for South Florida. From military training, to tourist travel, to cargo carriers, to flight schools, air fields have grown like weeds for nearly 100 years and there may be no end in sight.
» More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Around the State
Slippery Slope
With a hefty $50-million price tag, the proposed DeepFlex manufacturing facility was heralded as the largest, and perhaps most important, capital project in the Port of Pensacola's history. But in March, the Texas-based company abruptly halted work on the 70,000-sq.-ft. structure.