Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 8/7/2017

Florida cities may sue drug makers for opioid deaths

Florida cities may sue companies that make and distribute prescription painkillers, alleging they are partly to blame for a rise in overdose deaths. Attorneys told Jacksonville city councilmen that local governments have standing for a case because of the costs associated with opioid addiction. More from WPBF.

Fort Myers company to create video display for Super Bowl

Fort Myers-based AD Systems Inc. acquired a contract to create a high-resolution video board for Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium in preparation for Super Bowl LV in 2021. More from the Business Observer.

Slim pickings for Florida bank deals

As one analyst puts it, bank deals in Florida are down to “slim pickings.” The latest sale — USAmeriBank of Clearwater going to Valley National for $816 million — leaves fewer acquisition targets of the size that will attract buyers to the state. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Coral Gables is on the cusp of a retail revolution

While Miami-Dade County’s emerging neighborhoods are experiencing substantial development and investment, one of its most established communities — Coral Gables — is also being transformed with large-scale projects from both the public and private sectors. More from the Miami Herald.

Small Business Advice
How to "close" the sale

Fear of rejection is the primary reason some are reluctant to ask for the sale. After delivering a compelling sales presentation they pause and wait for the customer’s response, fearing if they ask for the sale the answer will be no. Well, to be blunt, “if you don’t ask, you won’t get.”
» Read the full column from SCORE counselor Gray Poehler.

Out of the Box
Wanted: Iguana wrangler

Wanted: An iguana wrangler to go on patrol in the Florida Keys. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff posted a July 27 opening for a biologist to take the lead on dealing with Keys iguanas, primarily on public lands.

» More from Florida Keys News.

Business Basics - from Florida Trend
Disaster planning: A Tale of Three Companies

All business owners need to prepare for recovery from the unexpected — sudden equipment failure, a leaky roof, a customer slip-and-fall, a break-in. But Florida business owners need an extra layer of defense — readiness for a complete business shutdown and utter devastation.