Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/22/2013

Majority of Florida business owners are optimistic

Florida business owners saw the health of their company improve in 2012, and nearly 58 percent are optimistic that progress will continue this year, according to a new survey by CPA firm Kaufman, Rossin & Co. Forty-one percent of companies surveyed said the health of their business would be “generally better” in one year compared to today, while 16 percent said it would be “much better.” More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

With more clarity on tax bills, small businesses strive for growth

It's no secret that Americans are fed up with all the political squabbles over taxes, spending and the federal debt load. For some small-business owners, the frustration is also tinged with fear: They're worried that Congress's inability to find common ground will hurt the economic recovery, and cut into their business. More at NBC News.

Flagler mom hires deputy to patrol daughter's school

Urban Oasis

New World Center Rooftop Gardens

As you walk toward the fanciful New World Center in Miami Beach, take a moment to look up. “It looks like a forest up here,” says Raymond Jungles, the Miami landscape architect who designed the center’s rooftop garden. Jungles usually landscapes private homes but here he got a chance to do something different.

» More from the Miami Herald.

A Flagler County mother has agreed to pay for an armed deputy to patrol her child's school at a cost of $32 per hour through the end of the year. Laura Lauria has paid the Flagler County School District upfront for the cost of a deputy to staff Old Kings Elementary for about two months starting Jan. 14. More at the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Practically human: Can smart machines do your job?

From giant corporations to university libraries to startup businesses, employers are using rapidly improving technology to do tasks that humans used to do. That means millions of workers are caught in a competition they can't win against machines that keep getting more powerful, cheaper and easier to use. More at the AP.

Entrepreneurship: How to start a business in 10 easy steps

Are you finally ready to start your own business? Was your New Year’s resolution to open a small business, launch a new venture? If so, you’re probably wondering where to start. Read some essential steps at Florida Today.

Registration ends this week!
Florida's Best Companies To Work For 2013

Which Florida company will be ranked #1 in Florida Trend's annual contest? There's still time to throw your company's hat into the ring, but not much. It's free. Find out how to participate here. See who won last year here.

Event
Rope them doggies

Put away those swimsuits and beach towels and put on your cowboy boots and hats. The 64th Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo will be held at Doc DeMilly Rodeo Arena at Harris Field from Jan. 25 through 27. The three-day event has raised the bar this year with its bull riding competition said Ryan Krantz, vice president of the Homestead Rodeo Association.