Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/3/2015

Pace of U.S. hiring weakens

The weakening U.S. economy spilled into the job market in March as employers added only 126,000 jobs, the fewest since December 2013, snapping a streak of 12 straight months of gains above 200,000. More at the AP and Reuters.

Sign-language call center grows quietly in Kissimmee

The serene quiet at the ASL Services call center in Kissimmee does not reflect the amount of activity going on. Employees are taking calls, answering questions and relaying important messages — using their hands and technology such as Skype and FaceTime. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Study: Climate change will hit some Florida reefs sooner than expected

Weekend Event
License Free Fishing Days

Floridians and visitors will be able to fish without a freshwater recreational fishing license April 4 and 5.

Freshwater fishing has an annual economic impact (recreational) of $1.7 billion, sustaining 14,000 jobs.

» Read more from the Tampa Bay Newspapers and FWC.

Parts of Florida’s vast coral reefs, including a pristine tract in the Dry Tortugas, may get seared by climate change as early as 2030 — about a dozen years sooner than scientists previously projected. More at the Miami Herald.

The science of why you should spend your money on experiences, not things

We know that money can make you happier, though after your basic needs are met, it doesn't make you that much happier. But one of the biggest questions is how to allocate our money, which is (for most of us) a limited resource. More at Fast Company.

Religious retirement community approved for construction in Broward

The Casa Sant’Angelo, a Catholic retirement community, received state approval to begin construction in Miramar. Its being developed by nonprofit Catholic Health Services with a design by C. C. Hodgson Architectural Group and construction by JWR Construction Services. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Out of the Box
Grocery Stores Are Losing You. Here's How They Plan To Win You Back.

Traditional grocers are increasingly losing market share — some 15 percent in the past 10 years — to more nimble competitors like smaller markets, convenience stores, farmers markets and even dollar stores. That, along with the rise of online food shopping, is forcing the old-school grocers to innovate in ways that should yield a better overall experience for consumers down the road.