Florida's GDP growth beats the nation's in second quarter of 2016

Florida’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 2.3 percent annualized in the second quarter of 2016, beating the national GDP growth rate of 1.2 percent. The state’s GDP annualized growth rate tied with Michigan as the highest among the 10 largest states, including California and Texas. See the news release from Gov. Rick Scott, here. Also see the report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, "Gross Domestic Product by State: Second Quarter 2016."

U.S. Small Business Administration approves $50 million in disaster loans for Florida

The U. S. Small Business Administration has approved over $50 million dollars in disaster assistance loans for businesses and residents in Florida that were affected by Hurricane Matthew from October 3rd through the 19th. The deadline to file an SBA disaster loan application for physical damage is Friday. More from WTXL, Flagler Live, and the Florida Times-Union.

Sarasota bioscience firm earns global recognition

A new report on the large growth potential of the plasma therapy market cited Sarasota-based Cambryn Biologics as a global leader in the field. The report cites 10 companies as “major players operating in the plasma therapy market." More from the Business Observer.

Some Keys reefs show hike in coral disease

Underwater surveys conducted by the Florida Reef Resilience Program, from August through October, found “prevalence of diseased corals among the sites in 2016 was greater than what was documented in both 2014 and 2015.” More from the Florida Keys News.

Florida paid Medicaid insurers $26 million to cover dead people, report says

The dead don’t need health insurance coverage. But in Florida, private health insurance companies managing the state’s Medicaid program still made money from the dead, according to a report issued Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More from the Miami Herald.