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Friday's Afternoon Update

Fueled by more people, Florida’s economic prospects look good over next 30 years

Florida’s economy should be in good shape 30 years from now. There will be bumps, including four to five recessions, if history is a guide. And not everyone will get an equal share of the prosperity. But thanks largely to a steadily growing population, the state’s financial fortunes look rosy. By 2047, the state will be home to more than 29 million residents, up from about 21 million today. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

What exactly is the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture?

The Republican candidate for the seat calls it the "Commissioner of Dirty Jobs." The Democratic candidate calls it the "People's Commissioner." The unexpectedly heated race for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services has been thrust into the national spotlight this fall, but what exactly does the commissioner do? More from the Miami Herald.

Enterprise Florida set to lose it's staunchest defender

The business-development agency, which Rick Scott has helped defend from attacks by the Florida House, has been working “back channels” with the campaigns of Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum to make both more aware of the agency’s reach and roles. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.

New music fest could be coming to South Beach. Is the city ready for its own Coachella?

South Beach could soon add a new event to a packed calendar of festivals, concerts and art fairs: a three-day pop music festival on the sand. The news may delight music lovers, but will undoubtedly prompt grumbling from residents tired of big crowds. More from the Miami Herald.

Could Isaac enter the Gulf of Mexico and cause Florida trouble?

As Tropical Storm Isaac becomes less organized in the eastern Caribbean Sea, it's uncertain what — if any — impact the storm might have on Florida. "There’s a lot of uncertainty," said Jerry Combs, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "It’s too early to tell." More from TCPalm and Click Orlando.

End of an Era
Falling piano sales force Atlantic Music Center in Melbourne to close after 28 years

 Atlantic Music Center houses the largest collection new and used acoustic and digital pianos in Central Florida. It is the largest piano rebuilder in the Southeast. The piano industry in the United States never fully recovered after the recession. In 2005 before the crash, new piano sales in the United States averaged 100,000 annually, compared to about 30,000 last year.

» More from Florida Today.

 

Out of the Box
Futuristic electronic glasses help Sarasota woman see again

floridaIn competitive bridge circles, Harriette Buckman is known as the “Star Trek Lady.” Buckman turned to high-tech eSight3 electronic glasses that resemble the visor worn by “Star Trek” character Geordi La Forge after her vision worsened and threatened to end her beloved bridge games.

» Read more from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.