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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Central Florida is becoming the "bread basket" of job growth in the state
Despite concerns about a potentially impending recession, Florida continued to experience strong employment and job growth in July, according to state figures released Friday. While the numbers are largely strong because of a tight labor market, economists said, the metro-level data may indicate a growing trend in the state. "Central Florida is the new bread basket for the state in terms of job creation and economic growth," said Sean Snaith, economist at the University of Central Florida. "If you look at Tampa (Bay) and Orlando combined, there's more than 80,000 jobs created." [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
A high-tech walk across Florida
Spanning 23 counties across the center of the state, Florida’s high-tech corridor is a national hotspot for cutting-edge technology. It’s the center of autonomous vehicle research, a launchpad for NASA, home to the National Center for Simulation and Training and more. From the Gulf Coast to the Space Coast, researchers are developing technologies that improve everything from sunscreen packaging to heart monitors to rocket engines. [Source: Florida Trend]
Northrop Grumman will be first commercial company to build at KSC’s iconic assembly building
Kennedy Space Center’s iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, standing 525 feet tall over the Space Coast, has been home to some of NASA’s most storied programs. Now, it’s going commercial. The building, which was built for the Apollo era and housed the assembly of space shuttles, is getting its first private-sector partner. Northrop Grumman announced Friday that it will assemble and test its new rocket, OmegA, at the VAB’s High Bay 2. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Traveler’s check-up: Florida CEOs discuss pros and cons of liberal vacation policies
CEOs were asked: What is your company’s current vacation policy? More companies are increasingly turning to an open-ended trust system — is this something you have considered? Adriana Jaegerman, senior principal, managing leader at Stantec says, "We have a set number of vacation days and holidays, but we pride ourselves on being flexible, which includes the ability to work remotely. We encourage our people to travel and take time for themselves" [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida liquor licenses up for grabs starting this week
Florida is among a handful of states that allocate liquor quota licenses via random computerized drawings. The licenses — issued on the basis of one for every 7,500 increase in a county’s population — are coveted because they can be used almost anywhere in the county where zoning permits. (Beer and wine licenses are limited to a specific location.) For a 45-day period starting Monday, applicants can enter the drawing for every county in which a license is available but they can submit only one entry per county and must pay a $100 entry fee each time. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Miami governments spending millions to make money and get exposure from Super Bowl 54
Politicians and tourism boosters tout Super Bowls as major moneymakers for South Florida’s economy. Plus, they point out, the NFL has committed to building playing fields and improving other public spaces in Miami-Dade County in connection with the 2020 event. In the economics of hosting a Super Bowl, though, the thinking goes that you spend taxpayer money to realize an even bigger economic payoff: the dollars that visitors spend in hotels, restaurants, airports, and other local businesses.
› Central Florida venues say ax throwing no more dangerous than golf, bowling
Drinking a beer while hurling axes at a wooden target seems like a possible prelude to an emergency room trip, but Central Florida ax venue owners contend the injury risks are comparable to other recreational activities. Ax throwing originated in Canadian logging competitions and has recently gained popularity in the United States. Adding alcohol to the mix has become a trend — one that may expand to Winter Park.
› FPL low-income program helps less than 1 percent of customers cut energy use
Florida Power & Light Co. says it has helped “more than 17,000 customers” since 2005 replace light bulbs, maintain their air conditioners or otherwise reduce energy use in their homes. But those benefiting comprise less than 1 percent of FPL’s total 5 million residential households statewide.
› Nearly half of Tampa professionals expect to job-seek within the next year
According to a survey by staffing firm Robert Half, about 40 percent of Tampa professionals expect to begin a job search within the next year. The driving reasons, the survey found, were to increase their wages (32 percent), seek a promotion (32 percent), get additional time off (12 percent) and find a new manager (12 percent).
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