Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

Florida consumer sentiment drops for fourth consecutive month despite expanding economy

Consumer sentiment among Floridians dropped 2.7 points in November to 95.1 from a revised figure of 97.8 in October, according to the latest University of Florida Consumer Survey. This is the fourth consecutive month with a decline in consumer sentiment in Florida. Furthermore, this is the lowest reading in the last 13 months. More from UF News and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Lawsuit spells out tumultuous time during HSN and QVC merger

A lawsuit filed last months gives a glimpse into internal turmoil the first few months after HSN was purchased by QVC's parent company. HSN and Qurate Retail Group said in an email they do not comment on pending litigation. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Miami Art Week is here. The art is serious, frivolous and infuriating.

It’s happening again. The fleets of Lexuses and Beemers laden with VIPs sitting in impossible traffic on the causeways. The mobs of hyper-groomed swells in designer sneakers. The lines of private jets parked at Opa-locka. The lavish parties. The star-studded dinners you’re not invited to. Oh, yes, and the art. More from the Miami Herald.

FPL's parent company grows amid criticism that it's too big

Juno Beach-based NextEra Energy, parent company to Florida Power & Light Co., said Tuesday it has completed its acquisition of Atlanta-based Southern Co.’s natural gas plants near Orlando and Cocoa, Fla. See the announcement from NextEra Energy and read more from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Braves’ new spring home to be known as CoolToday Park

The Atlanta Braves' new spring training home in Florida will be known as CoolToday Park. The team announced a 20-year naming rights deal with the home service company. CoolToday Park will host Atlanta's final spring game in 2019 and become the team's full-time training home in 2020. More from the Bradenton Herald.

Around the State
Naples-based Stabilized Steps opens doors for those who use walkers

 Stabilized Steps, a Naples company that develops and makes stabilizers that attach to the bottom of walkers, won $25,000 after winning a “shark-tank”-style competition among 42 Southwest Florida startups. Stephanie Gomez, Stabilized Steps’ co-founder, president and CEO, expects to use the money from Adrenaline Venture Fund for marketing.

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Florida 500
Bob Basham

floridaBob Basham, Founder & Principal Owner of PDQ, once planned to be an FBI agent.

» Read more from Florida 500.