March 29, 2024

Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/26/2018

Florida flu outbreaks at highest levels in a decade

The state’s Department of Health said last week they saw 52 new community outbreaks, bringing the seasonal total to 159 – the highest in nearly a decade. But, according to federal health officials, Florida is not even among the 24 states seeing the highest level of viral activity. More from CBS Miami.

See also:
» Flu outbreak prompts Florida district to close schools Friday
» Some pharmacies run out of Tamiflu as flu cases increase
» Pet owners, here are ways to protect your pup from the flu

International sodas are making inroads in Florida and around the U.S.

Soda sales by the big four brands— Coke, Pepsi and their diet counterparts — are down and have been going down for some time. But that could spell opportunity for smaller, regional brands trying to make their way into the U.S. market, like the Cuban soda Ironbeer. More from Marketplace.

State: Spencer's white nationalist event to cost taxpayers

The nearly $793,000 in taxpayer costs connected to white nationalist Richard Spencer’s October visit does not include any costs incurred by the University of Florida. Campus officials have declined thus far to disclose how much was spent by the university. More from the Gainesville Sun and the AP.

Bitcoin is booming in Miami. But can you buy a house with it?

Although Bitcoin is the oldest and best-known of the nearly 1,500 kinds of cryptocurrencies currently available, real estate developers, brokers and analysts are cool on its use in an industry that is literally defined by physical assets. More from the Miami Herald.

Central Florida tech scene seeks collaboration to push forward this year

Central Florida’s technology industry will spend a good portion of its energy this year building a case for itself as a place for tech talent to relocate. To do that, leaders say they must bring small startup companies together with some of the major businesses that exist here. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Hospitals
Innovation, collaboration and transformation at Tampa General Hospital

 With a history that spans more than 90 years, Tampa General Hospital stands as a healthcare leader regionally as well as nationally. This track record stems from a palpable commitment to excellence from every team member, every day. [Sponsored Report]

» More from Florida Trend.

 

Retail Trends
Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us store closings in Florida

florida originalsToys "R" Us has announced it's closing 180 stores across the country. Click on the map to locate store Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us closures in Florida.

» Read more from Florida Trend.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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