Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 8/27/2015

Florida preparing for the possibility of first hurricane in a decade

Forecasters are warning Florida and the Southeast coast to keep an eye on Tropical Storm Erika, which could approach the United States early next week as anything from a soaking rain to a Category 3 hurricane. More from NBC News., Reuters, the Times/Herald and NBC Miami.

Johnson & Johnson to open HQ in Tampa

Medical equipment and pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson will open a new 111,000 square-foot facility in Tampa that will create 500 new jobs over the next three years. The new facility will be operational by mid-2016, according to a press release from the governor's office. Full story is here. Read more at the Tampa Bay Times and WTSP.

Cash still king in Florida real estate

The state again led the nation last month for the share of cash purchases of single-family homes and condominiums, this time with the top nine U.S. metro areas for no-loan deals all in Florida. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Tampa-based Ironman brand now in hands of Chinese company

One of the world's best known sports brands and symbols of endurance competition, Tampa-based Ironman, now belongs to a Chinese firm. Dalian Wanda Group of China bought Ironman's parent company, World Triathlon Corp., this week from Providence Equity Corp. for about $900 million in equity and debt. More at the Tampa Bay Times.

FIU unveils its new Tech Station

With a ribbon-cutting and an open house with executives from South Florida’s largest technology companies as well as startups, Florida International University inaugurated its $3 million Tech Station on Wednesday. More at the Miami Herald.

Career Paths
Balancing a job at Lockheed Martin with a music career

Anthony Mickle currently works in the communications and marketing department at Lockheed Martin, where he has earned a reputation as the creative guy. Years after sacrificing his musical passion for a career at Lockheed, he met fellow musicians through the company and found his way back to the stage on the bass for Beemo.

» More from the Central Florida Future

Out of the Box
South Beach Hostel

Think of hostels as dingy places where backpacking kids bunk to save their money for more important things like lattes, beer and hash? Take a look at SoBe Hostel in Miami Beach, and think again. The shiny sinks, spotless lobby and free Wi-Fi might topple your stereotypes.