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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida House releases $76.2 billion budget
The Florida House released its proposed 2015-2016 budget, which outlines a $76.2 billion spending plan that is estimated to be about $5 billion less than the Florida Senate's budget, which should be released later Friday. More at the Tampa Bay Times and the AP.
» See the House budget proposal here.
Southwest Florida businesses going to the dogs
A growing number of mom-and-pop businesses are chasing after dog-owner dollars. Dogs are getting exercise at doggy day cares and indoor gyms, getting gourmet dinners from boutique pet stores, getting in-home sitters when their parents are away and getting the royal treatment from groomers, including mobile ones who greet them at the door. More at the Naples Daily News.
Florida citrus industry continues to combat greening disease
The Florida citrus industry is continuing to make strides to combat greening disease and the Asian citrus psyllid. Due to the thorough examination of the psyllid, extensive knowledge has been gained and implemented to refine existing control strategies of combating the insect in mature and new plantings. More at Fresh Plaza.
Darden serves up better profits, restaurant sales
Darden Restaurants boasted big profits and improved sales at all seven restaurant brands during the last quarter, the Orlando-based company reported Friday morning. More at the Orlando Sentinel.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings lays off staff
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings laid off an unspecified number of employees Thursday, confirming rumors that circulated widely during the industry’s annual Cruise Shipping Miami conference this week. More at the Miami Herald.
Sports Business Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas estimates US businesses could lose as much as $1.9bn because of the national college basketball tournament this year, up from $1.2 billion in 2014. And while brackets may lure employees away from work and into bars and video-laden browser windows, consensus – from social-science research to worldwide viewing habits – holds that the madness should be allowed to march on. Read more from the Guardian and the Phoenix Business Journal and see also: » March Madness teamwork lessons we can use in business |
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