Florida: News

Publix Super Markets is reaffirming its commitment to the state of Florida by investing nearly $190 million and creating jobs for 150+ workers as it builds a new Orlando distribution center. (Read more)

With $64.8 billion in origin exports last year - 17 percent higher than 2010's total - Florida continues its reign as the nation's fourth largest export state. (Read more)

Florida retains 4th place rank among exporting states

Florida home to two of the top 10 moving locations, according "Move Ahead" and Penske Truck Rental. (Read more)

Protocol Global Solutions is creating 400 Florida jobs that will offer a "complete employment benefit package" including health care, vision, dental, life insurance and a 401(k) retirement fund. (Read more)

According to preliminary estimates, an estimated 85.9 million visitors came to Florida in 2011, an increase of 4.4 percent over 2010. (Read more)

A new study showing that there are now roughly 466,000 jobs in the "App Economy" in the United States ranks Florida among the top 10. (Read more)

Florida's public high school students took more Advanced Placement classes than ever in 2011 and also aced more of the AP exams, meaning more students who graduated were likely ready for college. (Read more)

(LAKE MARY, FL) February 13, 2012 - Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Verizon Communications, a Fortune 100 company, will establish a finance and accounting “Center of Excellence” in Lake Mary. This new facility will initially create 300 jobs by the fourth quarter of 2014, with a total of 750 new jobs by 2016. In addition, it will bring a $50 million capital investment to the Orlando area.

Governor Scott said, “Verizon’s choice to locate their Center of Excellence in Lake Mary is great news for Florida families. With the second largest drop in unemployment rate in the country, this addition of 750 new jobs with Verizon is more proof we have made the right choices over the pst two years to keep our economy growing.”

Michelle Robinson, vice president, south area, shed light on the reason Florida was chosen for this project

“We have received a warm welcome from the state and local economic development partners, who aided in our decision process to locate in Metro Orlando,” said Robinson. “The region’s talent pipeline, which is full of finance and accounting graduates, was an integral factor in Verizon choosing to invest in Central Florida.”

This new location will centralize Verizon’s accounting, finance, and back office operations. Integrating these departments into one location will help Verizon improve processes, enhance service to internal and external customers, and improve career and networking opportunities for employees.

Organizations that partnered to support the Verizon project include City of Lake Mary, Enterprise Florida Inc., Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and Seminole County. Workforce Florida Inc. and the local universities and colleges also provided assistance as well.

Seminole County Commission Chairman Bob Dallari said, “Our financial service sector is growing and with great locations, talent and livability. I know more companies will continue to join Verizon in Seminole County.”

Lake Mary Mayor David Mealor added, “Lake Mary is very pleased to have Verizon join our business community. Their decision to locate such a large back office facility in our city is an honor and we welcome the jobs coming with it with open arms.”

Rick Weddle, president and CEO of the Metro Orlando EDC, pointed out that “Metro Orlando has been seeing strong growth in the shared services sector and we are pleased to have an industry leader such as Verizon join our region.”

Attending the event with Governor Rick Scott was Secretary of Commerce and president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope.

“It’s a proud day for Florida when we can announce 750 new jobs,” said Swoope. “This is a success story not only for that reason but also because it proves the hard work and accomplishments of Enterprise Florida and its partners are growing and diversifying our economy.”

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Major economic entities signed a joint memorandum of intent (MOI) at the Tampa Port Authority's headquarters today to try to stimulate economic growth and global trade by way of collaborative international initiatives and investments. (Read more)

‎The Princeton Review has honored five Florida schools by adding them to an elite group of America's Best Value Colleges, including two of the top 10: New College of Florida (3rd) and University of Florida (7th). (Read more)

Enzymedica Inc., a life sciences company and industry leader of therapeutic enzyme supplements, has renovated its new, larger location in Sarasota County to expand its laboratory and production facilities and add 72 employees. (Read more)

The University of Florida has been selected to become a Regional University Transportation Center and was awarded $3.5 million for transportation research. (Read more)

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education selected UCF's College of Education's TLE TechLivE Lab for its 2012 Best Practices Award, which recognizes the innovative use of technology. (Read more)

Moffitt, Sanford-Burnham and Florida Hospital join to create the Personalized Medicine Partnership of Florida. (Read more)

The South Runway Expansion Project at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is expected to be one of the most significant construction projects in the state of Florida during the next several years and is expected to generate more than 11,000 temporary jobs over the life of the project. (Read more)

By 2017, the College of Medicine and UCF's medical city partners at Lake Nona are projected to create 30,000 jobs and more than $7.6 billion in annual economic impact. (Read more)

Tampa is home to a nascent start-up scene, and local government is particularly business-friendly, promising tax credits to businesses that locate in certain areas or work in one of a number of high-demand industries, including life sciences and sustainable energy. (Read more)

Feld Entertainment, producer of well-known brands such as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Monster Jam and others, is relocating its global production facility to Ellenton and creating 235 new Florida jobs. (Read more)

Progressive, the auto insurance subsidiary of The Progressive Corp., will hire 390 additional sales, service and claims representatives for its Riverview contact center in the coming months. (Read more)