Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/16/2015

Survey finds U.S. economy growing at moderate pace

The national economy was growing at a moderate pace from mid-February through the end of March although the harsh winter, the rising value of the dollar and a big plunge in oil prices were having adverse effects on some industries, the Federal Reserve said. More at the AP.

Gov. Scott to sue federal government over hospital funding

Tech Trends
Where did all the payphones go?

Payphones are all but extinct these days. They are no longer in hotels, in malls or even in the back of smoky bars. They have become dime-eating dinosaurs, the last vestiges of life before cell phones consumed us all.

Governor Rick Scott just released a statement saying he will take legal action against President Obama’s federal healthcare agency for stopping Low Income Pool (LIP) healthcare funds to Florida in order to force the state to take Legislative action to expand Medicaid under Obamacare. Full statement from the Governor is here. Also see more at Tampa Bay Times.

Higher wages could boost Florida housing

Rising wages may lead to more robust housing markets next year in Florida and across the nation, Fannie Mae's chief economist said Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Pet Supermarket to be sold to private equity firm

Pet Supermarket is getting a new owner. The Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday cleared Roark Capital Partners, a private equity firm in Atlanta, to buy the company based in Sunrise. Roark previously acquired PetValue, Canada's largest pet retailer. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

The new 'living room' for Ringling College

Mindful that architecture is as much art as science, the leaders of the campaign to build a new library at Ringling College of Art and Design have a goal that goes beyond cost and utility. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

2015 Economic Yearbook
Racing to a rebound

The Daytona International Speedway is undergoing a $400-million makeover, a massive $130-million hotel/condo project is expected to start and home values are on the rise as the Space Coast races toward a full recovery from its economic doldrums.