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Monday's Afternoon Update

SpaceX’s hot new monster rocket ready for first test flight from Florida

SpaceX’s hot new monster rocket makes its launch debut this week, blasting off from the same pad that hoisted men to the moon a half-century ago. When it departs on its first test flight — as early as Tuesday — the Heavy with its three boosters and 27 engines will be the most powerful working rocket out there today, by a factor of two. See the news release from SpaceX here. Also read more at the Florida Times-Union and Reuters.

See also:
» Thousands expected to descend on Space Coast for SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch
» Can Elon Musk disrupt deep space with the world’s most powerful rocket?
» SpaceX confirms its first Falcon Heavy Rocket will attempt a triple landing
» Everything you need to know about the Falcon Heavy launch

Boost in tourism is a gain for The Villages

Another day, another dollar — or in Florida’s case, another $306 million. That’s how much out-of-state visitors collectively spend in a single day when they vacation in the Sunshine State, and The Villages remains an attraction for out-of-state visitors. More from the Daily Sun.

Florida regulator report shows assignment of benefits abuse worsening statewide

The epidemic of assignment of benefits (AOB) abuse that has been plaguing Florida for several years is only getting worse, says a new report from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). More from the Insurance Journal.

South Florida group mentors youths on how to become successful in business

Across the nation, young people seek career readiness. In South Florida, T.E.E.S. (Teens Exercising Extraordinary Success) is preparing local youths to be the entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow. More from the Miami Herald.

Small Business Advice
Steps to starting a business in Florida

Whether your business is located in Florida or elsewhere, the first thing you should do is construct a written business plan. I see too many entrepreneurs that invest a lot of money with start-up expenses before doing the necessary due diligence. Read Gray Poehler's full column.

City Profile
Tallahassee

 The moment visitors to Tallahassee realize they’re walking downhill is the moment they know this North Florida city isn’t like the rest of the state. It’s not on the beach or home to a theme park, but Tallahassee has plenty to cater to just about any demographic.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel.

 

Business Profile
e-Builder

florida originalsIf you’re questioning the value of higher education, consider construction tech company e-Builder. The 23-year-old Miami firm that started as a master’s thesis was just acquired for a cool half-billion dollars.

» Read more from the Miami Herald.