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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Another Record Year For Florida Tourism
Governor Rick Scott today announced that according to preliminary estimates released today by Visit Florida - the state’s official tourism marketing corporation - 94.7 million visitors came to Florida in 2013, an increase of 3.5 percent over 2012. This represents a record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 91.5 million in 2012. More at WCTV.
Universal to hire 3,500 workers for expansions
Universal Orlando plans to hire 3,500 people this year for expansions of its theme parks, primarily the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley, Gov. Rick Scott announced this morning. "There are not many projects like this in the great state of Florida," Scott said during a visit to Universal. More at the Orlando Sentinel.
UCF’s new biz degree to shape top talent for small firms
The University of Central Florida’s College of Business is designing an integrated business degree that would train students to work for small- to medium-sized firms, which make up the majority of Central Florida’s business community. More at the Orlando Business Journal.
Port wants deal to use railroad lines at KSC
Port Canaveral is seeking to work out a deal with NASA and Kennedy Space Center to use rail lines on KSC property to help form a rail link to the port that would boost its cargo operations, helping create thousands of jobs. More at Florida Today.
Hearts and flowers, boats and art in store this long weekend
Already one of the busiest weekends of the year in Miami-Dade, Presidents’ Day weekend starts with an extra kick this time around: Valentine’s Day. The good news is that sweethearts who haven’t yet made plans can surprise their loved ones with a new megayacht or a Monet. More at the Miami Herald.
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