Private space companies plan surge in launches this year

The jump in planned launches reflects increasing demand for commercial communications and imaging satellites, as well as business from the U.S. military, International Space Station cargo ships and a NASA asteroid sample return mission. [Source: Reuters]

Why some still can't find jobs as the economy nears "full employment"

"Full employment" is a phrase economists use to explain how the job market recovers from a recession. But the phrase doesn't tell the full story for millions of Americans either still out of work or who are looking for something better than part-time work. [Source: NPR]

Burger 21 to develop first Arkansas restaurant

The Tampa, Fla.-based company plans to open a single unit in Little Rock, Ark. In addition, Burger 21 signed a franchise agreement to open one restaurant in Athens, Ga. This latest development expands the brand's national footprint to 11 states. [Source: Florida Trend]

Review reveals problems protecting workers from pesticides

The pesticide-safety system is riddled with problems: Investigations often take years to complete and result in few penalties. Written warnings are common, fines rare. Compliance is sometimes voluntary, not required. And worker anonymity can be compromised, making employees reluctant to report violations. [Source: AP]

Tourism officials alarmed by new Zika cases in Caribbean, Latin America

With billions of tourism dollars at stake, Caribbean and Central American business and health officials are scrambling to protect an industry under threat from the Zika virus. [Source: McClatchy]

See also:
» Gov. Rick Scott declares health emergency in 4 counties due to Zika virus

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Jacksonville's food truck boom creates a related business: Food truck servicing centers [Florida Times-Union]
The food truck explosion, when it finally came to Jacksonville, has been obvious. A few years ago, there were only a handful, but now about 100 are licensed in Jacksonville.

› Orlando, Winter Park unveil new car-share program [Orlando Sentinel]
Mayor Buddy Dyer, along with officials for Winter Park and the Florida Department of Transportation, on Wednesday hailed the opening of several Zipcar car-share stations, which are now open for short-term rentals.

› Officials aim to lure massive computer data center to Palm Beach County [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Palm Beach County is vying for a computer data center that business leaders say would be one of the largest in the region. Data centers house rows of computer systems that store everything from Netflix videos to financial information.

› Fishing for tourists on Lake Okeechobee [Fort Myers News-Press]
Clewiston, home to U.S. Sugar’s refinery and fields, has another sweet spot: That’s sport fishing on Lake Okeechobee, Florida's biggest lake — and at about 700 square miles, and one of the nation's biggest.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› FPL has the lowest bills in Florida? Not so, municipal group says [Palm Beach Post]
Florida Power & Light Co. says its customer bills are the lowest in the state, but the Florida Municipal Electric Association is disputing FPL’s claims.

› Hiring flat at South Florida banks [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Despite increasing assets and loans, banks based in South Florida hired few employees in 2015, the South Florida Business Journal reports. Employee growth was collectively stagnant, the Journal said.

› BioTork announces breakthrough products, safe for vegetarians [Gainesville Business Report]
BioTork, LLC, a Florida-based biotechnology company has created a sustainable, GMO-free, vegan omega-3 oil produced from algae. This omega-3 oil will be launched in the nutraceutical, feed and food industries worldwide as a direct replacement to fish oil.

› You don't need an excuse for being late to work [Miami Herald]
Since just about everyone is answering work emails and calls after hours, should bosses look the other way when salaried employees are running late? Is the whole concept of punctuality outdated?