Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 10/5/2015

Record driving pushes gas prices up

Through July, the U.S. hit a new high for miles driven: 1.82 trillion, beating the 1.77 trillion mark set in 2007 before the Great Recession, according to estimates from the Federal Highway Administration. Even so, gas prices remain at their lowest since 2004 this autumn and are forecast to drop further. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

» Check gas prices in your Florida neighborhood here.

Landmark Trans-Pacific Partnership deal reached

The United States and 11 other Pacific Rim nations on Monday agreed to the largest regional trade accord in history, a potentially precedent-setting model for global commerce and worker standards that would tie together 40 percent of the world’s economy. More from the New York Times and the AP.

Florida springs to receive $82 million toward restoration projects

Gov. Rick Scott announced today that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Water Management Districts have approved 26 springs projects to receive more than $40 million. Along with $41.8 million in matching funds at the state and local level, investment in springs’ projects resulted in over $82 million of projects this year. Scott said, "Over the last three years, we have invested record funding for Florida’s springs, and the projects we are announcing today will ensure our springs are protected for future generations to enjoy." Statement on springs restoration, and full list of approved projects, is here.

Former fire station turned into Bradenton co-working haven

The idea of co-working is providing a place for people with different skill sets where members can talk to a fellow entrepreneur when they feel like it, whether it is just to take a break or to bounce an idea off somebody else. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Small Business Advice
Conflict in the workplace can escalate quickly if not dealt with

Conflict in the workplace can escalate out of control very easily if not dealt with. One of the best ways to approach a situation like this is to work with HR on a plan for resolving the problem. More at the Source.

Florida Small Business
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Florida Small Business offers advice and tips on Trademarks, Service, Collective & Certification Marks when doing business in Florida.

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Finance
This is the best time to borrow money. In all of history.

Interest rates are lower today than they were when FDR or Napoleon or Henry VIII or Genghis Khan or Charlemagne or Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great or even Hammurabi were around. Or, if you want to put a year on it, lower than at any time since the ancient Sumerians made the first loans, payable in either silver or grain, back in 3000 B.C.