Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 10/15/2018

Harris and L3 Technologies to merge, become one of Florida's largest companies

Harris Corp. and L3 Technologies Inc. said Sunday they will combine in the largest-ever defense industry merger, as the Pentagon expands budgets with an eye toward increased investment by contractors and quicker weapons development. The new company, to be named "L3 Harris Technologies," will have a combined market value of about $33.5 billion. With a transaction value of more than $15 billion, the merger would eclipse the 1997 combination of Boeing Co. and McDonnell Douglas Corp. [Source: WSJ.com] Read the full company announcement here and see a fact sheet about the merger (PDF).

Hurricane Michael, algae crisis tests resiliency of Florida tourism business

Devastating hurricanes, dead fish on the beaches and green slime in canals and rivers: Florida's No. 1 industry just can't catch a break. State tourism leaders are promoting parts of the state that are in good shape for visitors, and offering state grants for promoting areas that have emerged from weather or environmental crises. More from the Fort Myers News-Press and USA Today.

From ‘unknown’ to wealthiest Hispanic-American — and now, he’s moving back to Miami

Ten years ago, the Miami Herald described Marcelo Claure as an “unknown” in his adopted Magic City hometown. Today, Claure may be on the verge of becoming a household name in South Florida as pro soccer edges closer to kickoff. More from the Miami Herald.

Florida businesses band together against offshore drilling

The Florida Gulf Coast Business Coalition is officially launching an alliance of coastal business owners and leaders opposed to offshore drilling off Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Coalition represents more than 2,000 businesses, chambers of commerce and other associations. See an announcement from the Coalition and read more at Florida Politics.

Nielsen, University of Florida create a virtual grocery store

A partnership between Nielsen and the University of Florida led to development of a grocery store in a simulated 3D environment. The project allows a Nielsen client using virtual reality headsets such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vibe to set up virtual grocery store layouts and to gauge a customer’s engagement. More from the St. Pete Catalyst.

Florida Small Business
Small Business Resources

Business assistance, consulting help and seminars can be found at in many locations throughout the state. Organizations ready to help include the Florida SBDC Network, U.S. Small Business Administration, Prospera, Women's Business Centers, Black Business Investment Corporation, SCORE, and more. This link is a handy guide to finding help near you.

Out of the Box
Canstruction Orlando

Architecture, engineering and design firms crafted canned good sculptures on Oct. 14 at the 25th annual Canstruction food drive competition — which is a food drive for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The exhibit is open to the public through Oct. 28 at the Orlando Science Center.