South Florida economy hoping for a fall pickup

South Florida’s economy needs to shake off its summer slump. After strong growth to start the year, hiring remains stalled throughout the region. The presidential election and Washington’s budget dramas have many businesses holding off on spending decisions until the political picture stabilizes. Consumers haven’t regained previous optimism. Even tourism, which as soon as led […]

Solar Institute in Lauderdale to train jobless veterans

The U.S. Solar Institute, a Fort Lauderdale school, has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to train former military service members without jobs in how to install solar-panel systems. An initial 15 to 20 veterans a month from across the country are expected at the school starting in August for classes that […]

Florida offers $12 million to South Florida companies

South Florida gets a small share of Florida’s $155 million payout to companies thinking of adding jobs in the state. Lisa McKerracher might set up a spinal-cord lab in Miami, or she might set it up in Massachusetts. Florida will pay her $83,000 to pick the Sunshine State. “I’m not sure this is where I […]

Puerto Rico’s Medalla beer now distributed in Florida

Puerto Rico’s Medalla beer is being distributed in Florida for the first time, aiming to tap the soaring number of Puerto Ricans who have relocated to the beer-loving Sunshine State. On Father’s Dayat La Cocina Puertorriquena restaurant in Pembroke Pines, Puerto Rican families ordered scores of the light beer to accompany such traditional dishes as […]

South Florida helping state’s economic recovery, economist says

Florida’s economy has gained momentum in the past year, with Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties helping the state on its slow trek to recovering from the devastating Great Recession, according to an analysis released Friday by the Wells Fargo Economic Group. “All indications point to stronger gains this year,” Wells Fargo senior economist Mark […]

Delinquent mortgages fall in South Florida

Lenders in South Florida continue to see a decline in homeowners late in paying their mortgages as South Floridians are among the nation’s leaders in getting loan modifications. Bank of America, which is hosting a free homeowner assistance event this weekend in Miami Beach, has seen the number of homeowners at least 60 days late […]

Hiring improves but pace still slow in Florida

Unemployment drops statewide and holds steady in South Florida, as hiring increases slowly. Florida jobless rate down to a three-year low. The hiring front remains a frustrating place to be in Florida. New numbers show unemployment inching down statewide, and definite signs of life from hiring managers as payrolls continue to expand in South Florida. […]

Florida tops in delinquent mortgage loans

Florida has more delinquent mortgage loans backed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae than any other state, according to a new report. The Sunshine State had 292,000 delinquent loans by the government-sponsored agencies as of Dec. 31. Of those,166,000 have been late on payments for at least a year. California, the largest state, in contrast, […]

Households without broadband at Economic Disadvantage

A Connect Florida report reveals that 28 percent of Florida residents do not subscribe to broadband at home, placing them at an economic disadvantage. The report also shows that the majority of low-income residents in the Sunshine State are without broadband at home, which places them at a disadvantage to access and keep up with […]