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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Consumer spending rises, jobless claims at 15-year low
The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits tumbled to a 15-year low last week and consumer spending rose in March, signs the economy was regaining momentum after stumbling badly in the first quarter. More at Reuters, the AP, and the Dow Jones Business News.
The Cuba Factor
Also in this article: The island nation’s assets -- ports, oil, educated work force, natural beauty, minerals, agriculture and real estate. |
Florida's ban on educational travel to Cuba stays in place
The Florida Board of Governors says the state's ban on educational travel to Cuba will stay in place until the U.S. and Cuba re-establish full diplomatic relations. Private colleges and universities are not affected by the ban. More at the AP and the Miami Herald.
Auto dealers are refurbishing and expanding
Nudged by the makers of the car brands they carry — and nursing a fever to build repeat business — auto dealers around Southwest Florida are refurbishing and expanding with multimillion-dollar makeovers. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Fuel pipeline proposed from Florida to South Carolina
A Texas company is working on plans to build a fuel pipeline from Florida to South Carolina. Kinder Morgan of Houston said it hopes to begin construction of the $1 billion pipeline next spring. More at the AP and GreenvilleOnline.
Last day to enroll on HealthCare.gov
Thursday, April 30 is the last day for people in Florida and the three dozen other states that use the federal health insurance marketplace to buy a health insurance plan on HealthCare.gov. More at Health News Florida.
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