Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Tuesday's Afternoon Update

Florida becoming epicenter for eSports, pro gaming

As the world of professional video gaming explodes in popularity, you might be wondering where pro gamers are making a living when they earn enormous salaries playing from home. As it turns out, many eSport stars and pro gaming celebrities are flocking right here to Florida. More from WFLA.

Boca Raton embraces the nut and dried fruit industry in the 38th World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress

More than 1,200 professionals from 60 countries will attend the 38th World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress from May 23 to 25, 2019, in Boca Raton, Florida, organized by the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC). The Congress helds a stimulating three-day program as it remains the only international platform to debate and take the industry's pulse. More at Florida Trend.

13 interesting facts about Florida's economy

Florida is one of the United States' economic powerhouses. It's the third biggest state in the country by population, and has the fourth biggest economy. In fact, its GDP is larger than all but 16 countries. Florida's economy is extremely diverse, with tourism and agriculture among its top industries. Read 13 surprising facts about Florida's economy at Business Insider.

Amazon to invest $100 million in Lakeland, bring in 1,000 jobs

Amazon will invest $100 million on a new cargo center in Lakeland and create up to 1,000 jobs, according to city officials there. Lakeland officials say Amazon will lease 47.2 acres to build a seven-jet cargo hangar, with an option to later expand, and pay the city $80,651 a month for at least the next 20 years. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Fort Lauderdale, Miramar are Florida’s most expensive rental markets

Plagued by a continued tight supply of apartment units, the cities of Fort Lauderdale and Miramar lead Florida in the price of monthly rents, according to a national survey released Monday. The average Fort Lauderdale rent $1,933; in Miramar, it was $1,846, said RentCafe in its April report. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Business Profile
Not Suspicious

 A Central Florida company behind a virtual reality game that teaches students about the elements is in line for a $225,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The company, called Not Suspicious, has created the game TableCraft. Its founders expect to learn this month whether they will receive the financial boost as they build out their educational technology game.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel.

 

Out of the Box
Miami’s flying car port is almost finished. And the flying cars are not far behind

floridaA facility that could accommodate a flying-car future is nearing completion atop downtown’s 60-story Paramount Miami Worldcenter luxury condo tower. Meanwhile, a true-blue flying car just hit the market.

» Read more from the Miami Herald.