Friday's Afternoon Update
Florida's unemployment rate inches up to 6.3 percent
Florida's unemployment rate inched up to 6.3 percent in March, up from 6.2 percent a month earlier, according to state figures released early Friday. The state added 22,900 jobs over the month, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reported. More at the Tampa Bay Times and the Orlando Sentinel.
Budget Watch: Comparing Florida's House & Senate Budgets
The Florida Legislature has a lot of work to do to pass a final budget before the end of the legislative session, according to a Report from Florida TaxWatch, the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog. Read the full report.
Florida's share of venture capital drops in 1st quarter
Florida's slice of the nation's venture-capital pie shrank dramatically in the first quarter as deep-pockets investors steered much of their wealth elsewhere, according to the latest survey of U.S. venture capital firms. More at the Orlando Sentinel and the Miami Herald.
See also:
» Venture investments highest since 2001
SpaceX makes second attempt to launch Dragon Spacecraft
SpaceX will make its second attempt today to send the Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station on its third resupply mission. This launch is particularly exciting because it's the first time Falcon 9's first stage is equipped with four "landing legs," which are part of a test to see if the rocket can be recovered and reused. More at Business Insider.
Clearwater: From surf to success
An ideal place to live, work and play, Clearwater has positioned itself for continued economic growth. From surf to city, Clearwater's tale of success has no end in sight. Read on to learn why: » Exciting Clearwater. [Sponsored report]