Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Tuesday's Afternoon Update

Water policy key for Florida’s next agriculture commissioner

Maintaining Florida’s water supply, while balancing the growing needs of residents, farmers, tourists and businesses, is a priority for the candidates seeking to replace Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. The issue involves helping preserve diverse ecosystems, such as the Everglades and natural springs, without scuttling the economy. More from the Daily Commercial and the Orlando Sentinel.

Near record-high spending expected this Father's Day

The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating more than 80 years of supporting Florida’s retail industry, says Florida families will spend an average of $133 per person for Father’s Day and a total nationally of $15.3 billion. More at Florida Trend.

SeaWorld stock rises as attendance, revenues grow

SeaWorld Entertainment stock closed Monday at $21.01 — more than double the company’s lowest price of $10.42 in the past 52 weeks. SeaWorld posted attendance rise in the first quarter and exceeded Wall Street’s expectations, which has fueled some of the stock jump. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

California firm invests $60M in Clearwater company FairWarning

California growth equity firm Mainsail Partners invested $60 million in Clearwater cybersecurity company FairWarning, the companies announced Monday. FairWarning provides software that protects sensitive data for health care, financial services and other businesses. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Seacoast acquires First Green

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida has acquired First Green Bancorp, Inc., a move that will increase Seacoast’s presence in Orlando. First Green, which has its headquarters in Orlando and operates seven branches in the Orlando, Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale areas, will merge with Seacoast. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Sports Business
Atlanta Braves Spring Training Complex in North Port

 Four cranes dominate the view of the ever-expanding Atlanta Braves Spring Training Complex construction site off of West Villages Parkway. Despite a slowdown because of recent rains, construction on the $125 million stadium project remains mostly on schedule, as more than 300 people work day and night on various aspects of the complex.

» More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

 

Out of the Box
Fake self driving cars

floridaFord, like many other automakers, is currently developing autonomous vehicle technology. But it has a separate class of "fake" self-driving cars to deal with consumer reaction, and now they're in Miami.

» Read more from CNET and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.