Friday's Afternoon Update
U.S. economy didn't perform quite as poorly as feared at end of 2015
The fragile condition of the U.S. economy received an upgrade on Friday when the government said it grew at a 1% pace between October and December. That's up from an initial estimate of just 0.7% and should ease fears the U.S. is on the verge of slipping into a recession. More from Money, the AP, and Bloomberg.
Pumping savings into the economy
The drop in gasoline prices has sparked debate among economists as to whether or not lower energy costs are an overall positive or negative for the economy. While both sides have staked their claims and can produce evidence to support some of their arguments, one fact remains true: the drop in gasoline prices has led to fairly significant savings for U.S. consumers. Go to full report from Florida TaxWatch.
Tattoos won't hurt your career, UM study says
Having a tattoo has no impact on an individual’s employment or earnings, according to a new study from the University of Miami School of Business Administration. “Qualitative research shows that tattoos are definitely becoming less taboo and somewhat accepted even in traditional workplaces, especially among younger employees,” said Michael T. French, professor of health sector management and policy at UM. Read more about the study here.
Obama in Florida will tout benefits of economic stimulus
President Barack Obama is heading to Florida to tout the benefits of the massive economic stimulus bill he signed shortly after taking office seven years ago. Obama will argue during a stop in Jacksonville on Friday that the country is on a more solid footing because of this and other "tough choices" he made early in his first term. More from the AP and the Times/Herald.
Ray Allen opening organic fast-food eatery
Move over, LeBron James: It’s another former Miami Heat star’s chance at a lucrative career in Miami’s healthy dining scene. Ray Allen and his wife, Shannon, a cooking show host, will focus on health-oriented cuisine with Grown, an organic fast-food restaurant set to open in March. More from the Miami Herald.
Out of the Box
Practicing for Linemans' Rodeo
Duke Energy linemen spent the morning on Thursday practicing for an upcoming linemen rodeo. The competition will host more than 100 Florida linemen who will compete in variety of tasks used in the job, including climbing poles, insulating and isolating skills, crossarm change out skills, and a hurt man rescue; all of which are judged based on speed, agility, technique and safety procedures.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida History
Coconut Grove Woman’s Club
It’s hard to imagine that Miami was a treacherous swamp of land before the famous beach and the pastel buildings. For settlers and homesteaders laying a foundation of the city was the task at hand and leading that effort were the women pioneers who helped build the city. The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove served as a religious, academic and social space for pioneer women to gather and discuss ideas on community development.
» More from the Miami Herald