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Thursday's Afternoon Update

Florida leaders say Census undercount could hurt hundreds of state programs

Reponses to the 2020 census determine how $700 billion in federal grand money is spent across the nation. The census numbers also determine how many congressional seats each state receives. Florida is the nation’s third-largest state, and the fourth-fastest growing state, said Florida Tax Watch President Dominic M. Calabro. Every day, an estimated 900 people move to Florida. Calabro said these new residents make it crucial the 2020 census reflects Florida’s population - and just a 2% undercount could have a profound impact. More from WJCT.

See also:
» Leon County and City of Tallahassee Elected Leaders Join Florida TaxWatch to Announce Efforts to Increase Participation in the 2020 Census

Profits at Lakewood Ranch’s Roper Tech beat Street

Roper Technologies Inc. posted higher over-the-year profits and revenues in the second quarter. Roper, a diversified tech company with executive headquarters in Lakewood Ranch, on Thursday reported net income of $249.7 million, or $2.38 per diluted share, for 2019′s second quarter. That was up from $228.4 million, or $2.19 per share, one year earlier. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Florida wants new hearing in major medical marijuana licensing case

Gov. DeSantis and health officials on Wednesday asked the 1st District Court of Appeal for a hearing by the full court, known as an “en banc” hearing, after a July 9 ruling that Florida’s “vertical integration” system requiring licensed operators to grow, process and distribute cannabis and by-products runs afoul of a constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana. More from WLRN.

Jacksonville-area teens get crash course in the cost of being an adult

On a recent visit to The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, 15-year-old Brandon Clayton Jr. gained a wife, children and home mortgage. At least that was the scenario. Having teens like Brandon imagine their future lives — and show them how much money they will need to maintain those lives — was part of the moveUP Money Experience for Teens, the youth-component of Community First Credit Union’s moveUP financial wellness program. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Hard Rock guitar hotel rooms go fast for grand opening — even at $2,498 for a two-night stay

Among the rooms left for the grand opening of the Seminole Hard Rock’s guitar hotel: a Deluxe King Room for $2,498 during a mandatory two-night stay. It didn’t take long for patrons to snap up sumptuous suites for the Oct. 24 unveiling. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood started taking reservations late Wednesday morning. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Entertainment
Topgolf says St. Petersburg spot will open in 2020

 Get your drivers ready: Topgolf has confirmed it will open a new location in Carrillon. The high-tech driving range is planning a fall 2020 opening at 220 Carrillon Parkway, but a spokeswoman said a date has not been finalized. Topgolf opened one of its three-story driving range/restaurant/arcade combo entertainment complexes in Hillsborough County five years ago.

» More from the Tampa Bay Times.

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» Driving for dough: Jazzed-up golf driving ranges are growing

 

Q&A
If the economy falters, Florida companies are prepared

floridaFlorida CEOs were asked: Various indicators are now showing signs that a downturn may be ahead. What would this look like for your organization? More broadly, what are your greatest concerns for the local economy in the event of a downturn?

» Read the responses at the Miami Herald.