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Tuesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Retail sales data points to improving economy
A gauge of U.S. consumer spending rose in July at its fastest pace in seven months, a sign of quicker economic growth that could strengthen the case for the U.S. Federal Reserve winding down a major economic stimulus program. Other data on Tuesday showed U.S. small business optimism improving in July. More at Reuters.
Florida pharmacists win $597 million blowing whistle on scheme
No industry has felt the sting of whistle-blowing more than health care. Since 1988, whistle-blowers have helped the U.S. government recover $24.2 billion, and 75 percent of that involved medical treatment, according to the Department of Justice. The pace is accelerating. Since 2009, 91 percent of the $10.6 billion recovered has come in health-care cases. More at Businessweek.
CareerEdge to receive national recognition
CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, a Bradenton-based group formed to bring workers and employers together, has received an economic development award for its efforts. The International Economic Development Council will give CareerEdge its Human Capital Program Award to recognize the group's work in workforce development. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida making list of state-owned lands to sell
The state is compiling a list of publicly held lands from among its inventory of nearly 5 million acres that could be sold to private buyers so Florida can purchase other parcels for conservation. The goal is to sell $50 million worth of land, with the money from the sales combined with $20 million that lawmakers included for land acquisition in the state budget. More at the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Amid startup fever, four young businesses keep scrapping for growth
Trying to keep up with creative business startups across the Tampa Bay area is a bit like running around catching raindrops in a paper cup. You're bound to miss a lot. But there is some surprising momentum out there in Startup Land if you take the time to look. More at the Tampa Bay Times.
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