Thursday's Afternoon Update
Big banks ramp up business lending
Banks are boosting their lending to businesses, providing fuel for companies to increase spending on workers and equipment as the economy improves. The rise is being driven both by banks, which are loosening their lending standards, and companies, which are seeking more money, bank executives said. More at the Wall Street Journal.
Law would make it easier to start socially responsible firms
A bill is making its way through the Florida Legislature right now that would make it possible to form a new kind of company in Florida — one with a focus, not just on profit, but solving social and environmental problems. More at the Orlando Business Journal.
State recommends Florida oil drilling approval
The state's Department of Environmental Protection has told a judge that it will not rescind a permit for a Texas company that wants to drill an exploratory oil well in southwest Florida. The agency decided against following the recommendation of an advisory committee charged with providing advice and ensuring compliance for drilling in the Big Cypress Swamp area. More at the AP.
The Miami-Dade 500: Who gets the most money from county government?
Miami-Dade County’s checkbook could be considered an industry unto itself. Florida’s largest local government spends more than $6 billion a year, offering a lucrative source of dollars for hundreds of vendors, contractors and grant recipients. Who are the biggest earners? More at the Miami Herald.
AutoNation posts record quarter, pushes digital sales
Even this winter's freeze couldn't keep AutoNation from posting a record first quarter. The Fort Lauderdale-based auto retailer Thursday reported a record 75 cents in adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations, up from 68 cents a year ago. That beat analyst forecasts by 2 cents. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.