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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
The U.S. economy is on track to cap a lost decade for growth
The U.S. economy keeps chugging ahead, more like a tortoise than a hare. The last time America expanded at 3 percent-plus for the year was 2005, according to Commerce data. That means the nation is on track to miss such growth for an entire decade, a first in the post-World War II era. More at Bloomberg Business.
See which items are exempt this back-to-school tax holiday
This year’s back-to-school sales tax holiday runs from Aug. 7 to 16. During that period, Florida shoppers don’t have to pay taxes on clothing $100 or less; school supplies $15 or less; or on the first $750 of personal computers and computer-related accessories. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Florida gas prices may drop below $2 a gallon by December
Gas price drops are expected to accelerate from Labor Day through the holidays, and that means as many as 20 states — including Florida — could have average gas prices below $2 per gallon. More at the Orlando Sentinel.
Miami Boat Show says event has economic impact of $597 million
The owner of the Miami International Boat Show released a study this week touting the event’s contributions to the local and state economy. The overall economic impact to the state of Florida, according to the study, was $597 million. The state reaped more than $30 million in excise and sales tax. More at the Miami Herald.
Opinion: Florida needs tax reform now
Florida’s economy has bounced back at a much faster pace than the rest of the nation and our small business owners are to thank for that. But in order for our small businesses to continue to thrive and create jobs, we need our state and federal governments to implement policies that drive growth, not hinder it. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Development
Land Deal Fuels Talk of New Theme Park
One of the largest tracts of vacant land in Orlando's tourism corridor could soon have a new owner — fueling speculation about a new theme park, giant resort or convention hotel. The property is about 400 acres, just north of the Orange County Convention Center. It has a troubled history, from financial and environmental standpoints.
» More from the AP and the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Dining
Making a Splash
A Florida company called Vero Water sells systems that enable restaurants to purify local tap water and market it as upscale bottled water. The soft, crystal water comes in an interesting bottle like Voss, with an exotic name that sounds rather Floridian. But it costs much less per bottle than other brands.
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