Thursday's Afternoon Update
HSN acquired by rival retail giant QVC for $2.1 billion
Shopping network giant QVC Group is acquiring St. Petersburg-based HSN, the digital and TV retailer best known as the modern-day version of the iconic Home Shopping Network. Liberty Interactive Corp., the Englewood, Colo.-based parent company of QVC, announced the $2.1 billion deal Thursday morning. See the full announcement from Liberty Interactive, here. Also read more at the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida may drop ties to businesses linked to Venezuela
Amid an escalating political crisis in Venezuela, Florida may sever its connections to businesses that support the South American country's current government. More from the AP.
Feds probe Miami’s biggest developer over labor taxes
Federal investigators are seeking to learn if the Related Group, Miami’s biggest developer, lowered costs on an affordable-housing project by hiring subcontractors who failed to pay employment taxes. More from the Miami Herald.
Circus Sarasota helps the Smithsonian celebrate centuries of tradition
With some of the nation’s most prominent circus performers, promoters and historians taking part in the 50th Smithsonian Folklife Festival, it’s no surprise that the demise of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is a frequent and much-debated subject of conversation. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
When it's time to take the next step
There are moments in life when it is time to make a move. Whether it’s high school graduation, a potential promotion or feeling drawn to a new profession, students come to Saint Leo University to begin that journey. [Sponsored report]
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Marie’s Divine Desserts
As Marie Boone’s grandmother spent her last days in the hospital, she shared a deathbed wish with her granddaughter: Keep up the family baking tradition. Neither of them knew then just how far the dream would carry Boone.
» Read more from the Miami Herald.