Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/26/2013

Americans hopeful for a better year in 2014

Ready to ring in the new year, Americans look ahead with optimism, according to a new AP-Times Square New Year's Eve poll. Their ratings of the year gone by? Less than glowing. More at the AP.

Film world coalesces around incentives gap

Miami’s film industry saw hardships in 2013, but out of those obstacles may arise opportunities, experts say. “The significant thing for us was the loss of ‘Burn Notice,’ ‘The Glades’ and ‘Magic City,’ shows that either got cancelled or did not continue,” said Sandy Lighterman, Miami-Dade County film commissioner. “And for the first time since the current incentives started in 2004, no incentives were added. More at Miami Today.

Starter Space Offers Startups Connections, Space and Expertise

Recreation

Final License-Free Fishing Day For 2013

Governor Rick Scott and FWC announced December 28 will be the last freshwater license-free fishing day for 2013.

According to the American Sportfishing Association, Florida had 1.2 million non-resident anglers visit the Sunshine State in 2011.

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In downtown Gainesville, next to the Seagle Building, a vacant building that could have been described as “in shambles” has been transformed into a modern, open-space office building with a downstairs exhibition area by Starter Space, Gainesville’s newest, potentially most exciting technology startup incubator. More at the Gainesville Business Report.

Orlando drone builder awaits Christmas shipments

Mike Fortin, owner of Cinedrones in Orlando, says his business have been hit by Christmas packages that have yet to be delivered by Federal Express. FedEx and UPS alike said they experienced problems getting packages to homes and business before Christmas this year. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Emergency unemployment benefits are set to expire on Saturday

Across Florida, 73,000 recipients of federal emergency unemployment compensation stand to lose their benefits Saturday, among 1.3 million unemployed Americans whose jobless benefits will expire. More at the Miami Herald.

Out of the Box
Art on Wheels

The revival of interest in artist Alexander Calder is capturing hearts in the automotive world. The first art car that the American painter and sculptor created for BMW, the BMW 3.0 CSL "Batmobile" GT racer, is going to be one of the features at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in March. Read more here and at USA Today.