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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Robots are coming for some of our jobs. Is Florida ready?
Automation wiped out manufacturing jobs — robots replaced auto workers, computer code pushed aside machinists. Florida was lucky in a way. The state never relied as heavily on manufacturing as parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio. We got stung. They got floored, at least for a while. Florida has enjoyed the economic boost that comes from a reliable stream of new residents. That advantage is expected to last for at least a couple more decades. But the state is loaded with jobs vulnerable to automation and its cousin artificial intelligence. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Jacksonville first responders learn ins and outs of future autonomous vehicles
What happens if the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s planned autonomous downtown shuttle has a problem that requires police or firefighters? First responders learned the ins and outs of the Ultimate Urban Circulator at a hands-on training session this week. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Florida company building brand-new classic Mustangs with modern features
That gorgeous, like-new '67 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 you may see rolling through traffic might actually be new, thanks to Revology Cars, an Orlando, Florida, company that’s building classic Mustangs with all the modern conveniences, including a 600-horsepower Roush-built supercharged V8. More from the Detroit Free Press and Florida Trend.
Push for Port Canaveral aquarium moves forward
An aquarium at Port Canaveral has been in the works for several years, but now the Brevard Zoo has selected a design firm to knock out a preliminary design. HHCP Architects out of Orlando, which has worked on projects including Shamu Stadium at SeaWorld Orlando, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the American Adventure Pavilion at Disney’s Epcot, will come up with an initial design and estimated cost to be presented to Zoo officials this fall. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Improbable global business lands new opportunities
What began in 1984 as a one-man shop catering to Central Florida phosphate companies is now Knight Industrial Equipment, an engineering/construction company that has managed multi-million dollar projects across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, South America, Morocco and Russia. KIE's latest project was installing a shipping and storage system for CF Industries’ $2 billion project in Iowa. “We just helped build the largest storage warehouse in America, right from here in Lakeland,” he says. More from the Business Observer.
Out of the Box
A farm in Florida is growing 'long-neck' avocados
It's often said that the reason millennials can't afford to buy property is they spend all their money on avocados — and if you're buying $47 supersized versions of the fruit, there might actually be some truth in this. A farm in Florida is growing "long-neck" avocados that can measure up to 3 feet long and cost almost $50 each.
Florida Dining
Top five Florida restaurant chains with a fun breakfast
Breakfast out is Florida’s cheapest luxury. Fresh, custom-made, affordable breakfast fare is eating the dollars and time of lunch and dinner diners. At least five Florida based-chains have more than 100 restaurants that put breakfast first and close before 3 p.m.
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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