Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 10/30/2012

Florida’s consumer confidence remains at near post-recession high

The five survey components that measure overall confidence indicate that Florida’s consumers were both upbeat and concerned in October. For example, their level of confidence in the nation’s economic health over the next year rose three points to 84, "a post-recession high." The survey, however, also showed that confidence in personal finances compared with a year ago fell three points to 61. More at UF News and the Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

Florida employment unchanged at its smallest businesses

At Florida's businesses that employ 20 people or less, the employment picture was unchanged in October, according to Intuit Payroll in a report released Tuesday. Nationwide, the smallest firms created 10,000 fewer jobs in October, a 0.05 percent decrease since September. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Ruth's profit, revenues increase

Business Profile

The Collection at Olde Marco

There is a stubborn independent streak in many of the business people who have set up shop in the Collection, formerly known as the Shops of Olde Marco. The offbeat commercial and dining center near the northern tip of Marco Island has a laidback, low key, islandy vibe, reminiscent of Key West, or maybe Goodland.

The group of stores, restaurants, and at least one artist's studio is now unified under new ownership, and trying to raise their profile a little bit.

» More from Naples Daily News.

Winter Park-based Ruth's Hospitality Group reported a jump in third-quarter profit and revenues Tuesday. Ruth's reported profit of $802,000, or 2 cents per share, compared to $85,000 and 0 cents per share the previous year. Cost controls along with rising sales at both the company's flagship Ruth's Chris Steak House and its smaller Mitchell's Fish Market contributed to the profit increase. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Column: Season of good tidings, great revenue is upon us

The calendar says October, but for small businesses, the holidays already have arrived. While every season is important, for many small companies the winter holidays can represent half their annual sales. So it's time to start planning. More at Florida Today.

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» Business Halloween Style

Fort Lauderdale boat show ends on high note for many

The 53rd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show wrapped Monday, and though bad weather dampened opening day attendance, it didn't keep the serious buyers at bay, according to several exhibitors. "It went really well," said Bob Denison, president of Denison Yacht Sales in Fort Lauderdale, which had 12 new and 8 pre-owned boats on display. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Out of the Box
Paranormal divers

Lee Ehrlich leads the world's only paranormal diving team out of Scuba Quest in Cape Coral. A ghost hunter since his 20s, Ehrlich has commandeered a niche on underwater investigations. He prefers being a professional adventurer to having a ho-hum day job.