Florida voters say economy is top issue as general election nears
With just a few months to go before voters voice their choice, Florida voters have one major issue on their mind: the economy. “One out of every three voters cited the economy,” said Suffolk University Political Research Center Director David Paleologos. Paleologos said the economy is an issue that is felt beyond Florida. More from WSVN.
Lockheed Martin to buy Florida-based satellite maker Terran Orbital
Aerospace powerhouse Lockheed Martin announced Thursday it plans to acquire Florida-based satellite manufacturing company Terran Orbital. The Boca Raton-based company recently expanded satellite production out of California after a plan to build them in Brevard County fell through. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Halted Pasco scallop season could be extended if toxin levels return to normal
Florida wildlife officials said this week they will consider extending the scallop harvesting season in Pasco County, which is currently on pause after tests in late July found unsafe toxins, if water quality improves. The scalloping season was slated to run until this Sunday in state waters south of the Hernando County line until it was halted July 24 over human health concerns. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Mark Bezos’ West Palm firm raises $100M for inaugural venture fund already backing 6 startups
An investment firm founded by Jeff Bezos’ younger brother, Mark, and private equity veteran David Moross has raised its first venture fund – to the tune of $100 million. West Palm Beach-based private equity firm HighPost Capital focuses on consumer companies. Its new venture capital arm, HIPstr, seeks capitalize on opportunities in early-stage companies that do not fit the investment criteria of HighPost’s more traditional buyout strategy. More from Refresh Miami.
Jacksonville launches small business capital access program
The City of Jacksonville Office of Economic Development announced the newly established Small Business Capital Access Programs to support the over 66,000 small businesses in Duval County. According to the city, the programs reinforce Jacksonville’s drive to nurture a thriving small business community across its boundary, and, in turn, uplift the local economy, encourage entrepreneurship, spur job growth and build a resilient marketplace. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Business Beat - Week of August 16th
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Out of the Box
A cheaper, greener way to build in Florida? It goes together like a Lego toy kit
Would you live in a place built from life-sized Legos? Some people in South Florida already do — in a first-of-its-kind apartment project using innovative new building blocks designed to be assembled much like a giant toy kit. But unlike the structures your rambunctious 5-year-old can smash like the Hulk in seconds, the Miami company behind the blocks says they’re built to last and have been tested to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds.
» Read more from the Miami Herald.