Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Thursday's Afternoon Update

U.S. retail sales jump in May

U.S. retail sales surged in May as households boosted purchases of automobiles and a range of other goods even as they paid a bit more for gasoline, the latest sign economic growth is finally gathering steam. More from Reuters and the Wall Street Journal.

Editor's Page
Schools out, but far from over

At this time of year, with school years concluding and graduation ceremonies everywhere, it’s hard not to think about the teachers who’ve had a lasting effect on us.

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Former builders find alternative channels for construction skills

When the going gets tough for homebuilders, the entrepreneurial-minded professionals tend to find alternative uses for their construction skills in an effort to stay employed. More at Construction Dive.

Court sidetracks challenge to Florida train project

A federal judge has dismissed a legal challenge filed by two Florida counties against the proposed All Aboard Florida express railway project. Indian River County and Martin County lack the standing to sue, U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper said in the 21-page decision. More at McClatchy.

Florida's advanced energy market is $6.2B in revenue

The advanced energy industry is a major economic force in Florida, at $6.2 billion in 2014 revenue, according to the first comprehensive analysis of the advanced energy market in the state. Advanced energy outpaced the state’s agricultural exports, which totaled $4.2 billion in 2014. More at Florida Trend.

In Congress, a new push seeks to end stalemate over Cuba embargo

With efforts to lift the Cuban embargo stalled in Congress, a pro-trade senator from Kansas will try to break the stalemate on Thursday by offering new legislation designed to win over his reluctant Republican colleagues. More at McClatchy.

Education
Sticking Point

fiu Florida International University in Miami wants to expand across the street from its campus on county-owned land. The only problem is that the site is home to the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, which has a lease on the land through 2085.

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