Wednesday's Afternoon Update
Florida private-sector job growth slows in November
The state grew by a net 14,400 private-sector jobs in November, according to a report Wednesday by payroll processor ADP. That's the lowest number posted since April and far off the pace during the height of the recovery when it was adding more than 20,000 jobs a month. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Column: Florida must invest in cultural tourism
While Florida’s theme parks and beautiful beaches are huge tourism draws, one area of Florida’s tourism industry that also continues to play a significant role is that of cultural and arts tourism. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Life after citrus
The amount of acreage in citrus in Florida fell to 480,121 acres last year, down from a high of 665,529 acres and the lowest total since at least 1966, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The amount of fruit harvested has fallen by two-thirds from its peak. Access full story.
Flagler Schools workers get retroactive raise
The Flagler County School Board approved raises for the district's non-instructional employees Tuesday, following several weeks of negotiations between the union and the school district. More from the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
In Miami-Dade, a woman earns 87 cents for every dollar a man makes
Women consistently earn less than men do in Miami-Dade, with a new study showing wide gaps in a range of occupations, including high-earning positions in architecture, law and management posts in county government itself. More from the Miami Herald.
Out of the Box
Catty Shack Ranch
The Catty Shack Ranch in Jacksonville is, in many ways, as much a senior living center as a wildlife sanctuary. There, big cats like Sarah, Terry and Czarina live almost double as long they would in the wild, and with that comes the complication of keeping them healthy and comfortable.
» More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Business Profile
Skuze Shoes
Chris Alflen admits he's obsessed with shoes. He owns more than 100 pair; mostly athletic shoes. As an artist and designer, Alflen decided he'd like nothing better than to design casual shoes that are lightweight and comfortable to wear, yet have the sporty look he likes.
» More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel