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Friday's Afternoon Update

Meet Florida's legal drug cartels

Medical marijuana is projected to become a $1 billion industry in Florida within the next three years. So far, only seven companies have been licensed by the state to produce, cultivate and sell it. Often described as the "cartels," the companies have millions in investment behind them. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida likely won't bow out of refugee program this year

A GOP-backed House bill that would see Florida walk away from its participation in the federal refugee resettlement program appears all but dead this session. The state and the federal government have been at odds over refugee resettlement since the Paris terrorist attacks in 2015. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.

Florida ranked in top five states for commercial real estate development

Overall, Florida ranked fifth among the 50 states in development and construction of commercial property in 2016. More specifically, the Sunshine State ranked third in both warehouse and retail development and seventh in office real estate development. More from the Florida Times-Union.

OJ sales keep dropping; but there’s some good news, too

Florida orange juice has gotten some good press recently. A University of Washington study shows regular OJ consumption does not cause obesity in children. Also an English study shows drinking OJ daily can improve memory. More from the Lakeland Ledger.

Florida’s Hispanic voters optimistic on economy but down on Donald Trump

A new Hispanic consumer confidence survey from Florida Atlantic University finds Latino Florida voters more optimistic than the nation about the economy but about the same in assessing President Donald Trump. More from Florida Politics.

Florida Originals
Spook Hill

florida Spook Hill in Lake Wales is an example of what's sometimes called a gravity hill or a magnetic hill. There are hundreds around the world, although Florida, a land of few hills, only has one.

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Sports Business
How Orlando City Capture a Community

florida originalsWhen Orlando was given an MLS expansion team, it came with a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, Florida had two MLS teams before, and both folded. The state was supposed to be a no fly zone for top flight professional soccer, but Orlando City SC has erased any questions about Florida’s love for the game.

» Read more from Fox Sports.