Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/6/2015

Employment jumps in February

The economy added 295,000 new jobs in February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, blasting past economists' expectations of 240,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate fell to 5.5% from 5.7% in January, the lowest since May 2008, when the rate was 5.4%. More at USA Today and the AP.

Florida leading the way in self-driving cars

Self-driving vehicles will be on the road in as many as 30 U.S. cities by the end of 2016 as municipalities across the country prepare to roll out trial programs. Pilot programs for self-driving vehicles are expected to be underway in the coming months in towns in Florida and North Carolina. More at the International Business Times.

The Lionfish: Threatening native fish and Florida's fishing industries

Florida Dining
Food worth worshipping

When two of the biggest food trends collide -- the booming demand for local ingredients and big-city celebrity chefs -- it’s joyous confusion.

Witness the new Locale in downtown St. Petersburg, starring Michael Mina (of Miami’s Stripsteak, Bourbon Steak, Michael Mina 74 and a dozen more) and Don Pintabona (of Tribeca Grill).

» Access full story

Florida is blessed with a world-renowned natural environment, which helps drive a colossal tourism industry, and makes the state a great place to work and play. With this dependence on nature, invasive species can have a significant (and often expensive) impact on Florida’s economy and desirability. More from Florida TaxWatch.

Buying up a Florida neighborhood to bring in entrepreneurs

Abandoned, boarded-up houses have a notorious dampening effect on neighborhoods, driving down real estate prices and scaring away investors and potential tenants. Turning such places around requires more than a paint-job here and there; it takes profound revitalization. More at Fast Company.

Cuba travel gets easier despite tourism ban

Tens of thousands of American tourists have been sneaking into Cuba each year despite a ban on pleasure trips. Now would-be visitors can choose from a long list of reasons to go there legitimately. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition
Exploring Florida's rare coastal dunes

During the past week, the Expedition team was joined by members of the public and media for the Coastal Dune Lakes Paddle. Coastal dune lakes are a rare phenomenon found in only a few places in the world. The lakes are both fresh and salt water -- at different times -- which sets up unusual ecoystems.