Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 7/10/2015

Wholesale inventories rise more than expected

U.S. wholesale inventories rose at their fastest pace in six months in May, reinforcing the view that economic growth should rebound in the second quarter after a weak first three months of the year. The biggest gains were seen in petroleum products, computer equipment and drugs. More from Reuters.

Climate change could lead to seas rising 20 feet

Rising sea levels have been mostly measured in inches in the past decades, but scientists said they could increase more than 20 feet in the future as global warming continues to melt ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. More from UF News and CBS.

Colleges in Cuba, U.S. build ties as diplomatic tensions ease

Only months after the U.S. eased travel restrictions, several colleges have struck agreements with Cuban schools to create exchange programs for students and faculty. More American colleges are planning study trips to Cuba, and both sides are exploring research projects. More at the AP.

Broward workers make lowest wages in South Florida

The average weekly wages in Broward County was $960 in the fourth quarter of 2014, the lowest of all three South Florida counties, according to federal data released Thursday. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Florida allocated $97.6 million from U.S. small business capital program

The U.S. Treasury Department’s State Small Business Credit Initiative on Thursday released an annual report detailing how the program helps small businesses grow and create jobs nationwide. Through 2014, participating states including Florida expended $864 million in program funds. More at the Miami Herald.

Tourism
Caribbean tourism feels winds of change from Cuba

Caribbean tourism officials are fearful that if the United States allows free travel to Cuba by Americans, it will result in a significant loss of visitors to the rest of the Caribbean if the region’s countries — including Cuba — don’t find ways to work together to increase the Caribbean tourism pie.

» More from the Miami Herald

Florida Dining
Taco Belles: Mexican eateries in Florida

Along with chains like Chipotle, Moe’s, Lime Fresh Mexican and a raft of street taco purveyors, local chefs around the state are offering new expressions of south-of-the-border cuisine — from traditional esquites corn on the cob with chili pepper and cotija cheese to new-wave avocado fries, chop salads and other borrowings for the craft beer crowd.