U.S. economy expands even as wages stay flat

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The U.S. economy expanded across most of the country in the past six weeks as the job market showed strength that’s failing to stoke broad wage pressures, a Federal Reserve survey showed. More from Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and Reuters.

Florida Trend Exclusive
Dogged opposition: Greyhound activists take their fight to voters

Frustrated by years of inaction from state lawmakers and the politics of gambling policy, animal-rights advocates are now trying to appeal directly to voters in their bid to better regulate — and eventually eliminate — greyhound racing in Florida. Access full story.

How Miami could become the next Hollywood

Juan Acosta, chief operating office of Viacom International Media Networks Americas, has stars in his eyes when it comes to Miami. His company recently took over all 88,000 square feet of the newly built EUE/Screen Gems Studios Miami for a few of its major brands, including Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]

Things every small business owner should know about taxes

Blood pressures are rising at many small businesses now that tax season is underway. In a survey released last year by the advocacy group National Small Business Association, nearly 60 percent of the owners surveyed said the administrative burdens were the biggest problems posed by federal taxes. [Source: Florida Times-Union]

US-Iran Sanctions Add Layer of Conflict To Relationship

The Islamic Republic of Iran made a measure of peace with Washington and other foreign capitals by negotiating a landmark agreement last year to dismantle its nuclear weapons program. In the coming years, it may face pressure from a new set of capitals: U.S. states that have passed their own sanctions against the Persian power. [Source: International Business Times]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Publix CEO to retire; replacement named [Tampa Bay Business Journal]
The CEO of Publix Super Markets Inc. will retire this year. The Lakeland-based grocer announced Wednesday that Ed Crenshaw will retire on April 30. Publix President Todd Jones will become president and CEO.

› GE picks Boston for new headquarters, unmoved by Florida's low-tax pitch [Tampa Bay Times]
After eight months of anticipation GE, one of the world's biggest companies, said Wednesday it will move its headquarters to Boston — in a state associated so long for high taxes that it's still known as Taxachusetts.

› Former Spirit CEO Baldanza could get $1M in severance plus airline tickets for life [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Former Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza could get $1 million in severance — twice his annual salary — for leaving his job. Baldanza, who resigned as president and CEO on Jan. 4, also would get a lifetime travel pass for Spirit flights.

› Booking.com expands, to add 200 Orlando jobs [Orlando Sentinel]
Booking.com has signed a lease to expand its Orlando operations space by 37 percent, making it the largest of the company's three centers in the United States.

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› Florida’s Grapefruit Drops, Orange Crop Unchanged [CBS Miami]
Florida’s orange crop has remained unchanged from the previous month, but it’s not the same story for grapefruit. The grapefruit crop has dropped slightly.

› FSU researchers to help Florida DOT advise older drivers [Florida State 24/7]
What is the most effective way to quickly explain new road signs and signals to drivers, especially Florida’s growing population of older drivers? Florida State University’s Institute for Successful Longevity will help the state’s Department of Transportation find out.

› Orlando City to play 2016 season in Citrus Bowl; stadium to open in 2017 [Orlando Sentinel]
Orlando City will have to wait another year before it opens its new home. The club announced that construction of the new soccer-specific stadium is taking longer than expected and the team will play the entirety of the 2016 season in the Citrus Bowl.

› BAE Systems to lay off up to 300 at Jacksonville shipyards [AP]
BAE Systems says as many as 300 employees its shipyards in Jacksonville could be laid off. Multiple media outlets report the company made the announcement Tuesday, saying the layoffs will happen on or about March 18.