Income growth slows in Florida — but still beats U.S rate

Growth in personal income slowed in Florida in June but still outpaced the nation's, according to estimates released Wednesday by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In Florida, personal income grew 1.1 percent from April through June compared with 0.9 percent nationally, the federal agency estimated. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

New credit-card readers put rocky transition on retailers

Merchants face a Thursday deadline to transition credit-card readers from the familiar magnetic-stripe systems we all know to a more secure embedded chip system that requires customers to insert cards into a new device. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.

The Baby Boomer brain drain

At each stage of life, Baby Boomers have reshaped culture, music, fashion, politics, and the economy. Now comes retirement. A massive generational shift in the workforce is underway as over the next two decades an estimated 10,000 Baby Boomers will retire each day. [Source: Business.com]

Belize: The new retirement capital for 2016

With exceptionally valued real estate, strong retirement incentives and of course a beautiful tropical climate, Belize is on everyone's radar as the retirement destination for 2016. [Source: Digital Journal]

Small business owners affected by VW’s deception

Lost in the hub-bub about Volkswagen’s deception in fooling regulators about the emissions of its “clean” diesel engines is the very real economic damages of a certain group of small businesses. In addition to consumers, used car dealers are left holding the bag because of Volkswagen’s deception. [Source: The Legal Examiner]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› 27 new Florida laws take effect [AP]
Florida passed 227 bills during its annual special session and 27 of those become laws on Thursday. They address issues ranging from revenge porn and prostitution to training law enforcement officers on how to recognize health emergencies brought on by diabetes.

› State offers cash for captured pythons [Orlando Sentinel]
Snake hunters can again prowl the Florida Everglades in January in pursuit of pythons and $5,000. Registration begins Thursday for the state's second Python Challenge, a month-long competition staged by the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to reduce the impact of the invasive snake.

› FedEx plans massive facility on Gulf Coast [Business Observer]
A new FedEx Ground distribution center is planned for Fort Myers. Kansas City-based Jones Development Co. purchased 21.91 acres near Southwest Florida International Airport, in two transactions for $2.2 million.

› Gainesville developers changing landscape in all directions [Gainesville Sun]
Major development projects that will bring new retail, office and apartment buildings are under construction around Gainesville in various stages of progress.

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› California pioneer forecasts growth in Florida's energy-efficiency loans [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A California leader in funding energy upgrades at homes and businesses is expanding to Florida by purchasing a small partner in the Sunshine State.

› Business etiquette matters when applying for a job [Florida Today]
Whether it is a social or a business interaction the Golden Rule — treat others the way you want to be treated — always applies.

› Downtown Disney gives way to Disney Springs [AP]
Downtown Disney has become Disney Springs and the popular Walt Disney World complex is also getting a new look.

› Viva Brevard to benefit Brevard Hispanic Center [Florida Today]
During Hispanic Heritage Month in October, Viva Brevard will celebrate the county’s multi-cultural diversity and also raise both awareness and funds for Brevard Hispanic Center.