Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida Today

Will Short Gorham | 9/11/2012

Florida and other southern states lead job openings

Florida and other southern states led job openings in July, according to data released Tuesday by the Labor Department. The South had an estimated 1.4 million job openings in July, up from 1.2 million in July 2011. Those numbers were double the openings in the Northeast and West. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Reuters.

See also:
» U.S. Department of Labor Report

Business Profile

Prioria Robotics

University of Florida startup Prioria Robotics makes smart unmanned aerial vehicles for military, civil and commercial uses, a market expected to expand rapidly in the next few years. The Gainesville company was founded 10 years ago by UF grads. Its technology gives unmanned vehicles bendable wings and advanced sensors.

» Full story

» Prioria Robotics site

Digital Domain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Digital Domain Media Group Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this morning, a move that deepens the embarrassment for state and city officials who offered the movie effects company $135 million in cash, land, financing and tax incentives. The bankruptcy filing could complicate efforts to retrieve public cash from the floundering private company. More at the Palm Beach Post and Reuters.

Related Florida Trend Archived Content
» Focusing on Florida's Film Future

Retailers' interest in Gainesville heating up

The popular national grocery store chain Trader Joe's is coming to Gainesville. So are Florida-based favorites World of Beer and 4 Rivers Smokehouse. Those are just a few of the area retailers and restaurants to open in the months ahead. More at the Gainesville Sun.

Florida investigates K12, nation’s largest online educator

Florida’s Department of Education has launched an investigation of K12, the nation’s largest online educator, over allegations the company uses uncertified teachers and asked employees to help cover up the practice. Read the full story and see the documents at StateImpact Florida.

COLUMN: Your tax dollars work to help small businesses

Years ago, in the early days of the World Wide Web, I was starting a new Internet-based business. Although I was already an experienced businesswoman, I still needed some help launching my new company. Fortunately, I discovered a Small Business Development Center nearby. These federal-university partnerships exist to help small businesses start and grow. More at Florida Today.

Out of the Box
Help Wanted: Gator aides

Do you have a smooth touch with the rough-skinned, big-mouthed inhabitants of Florida's wetlands? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants to hear from you. The commission's statewide Nuisance Alligator Program is accepting applications for contracted gator trappers in Palm Beach, Orange, Okaloosa and Pinellas counties. Applicants should have a clean criminal history, a valid email, and preferably, experience handling gators.