Politics
UF consumer sentiment survey shows Floridians growing more confident about economy
Floridians are becoming more optimistic about the current economic situation, according to the latest statewide survey by the University of Florida (UF).
Consumer sentiment in Florida went up for the second straight month in June. The UF Bureau of Economic and Business Research found in its June survey that consumer confidence increased 3.1 points, rising from 81 in May to 84.1. It’s reflective of the national consumer sentiment, which increased by 8.5 points.
“This marks the second straight month in which all five components of the index increased. While both current conditions and future expectations improved in June, the gain in sentiment is being driven more by Floridians’ assessments of their personal finances,” said Hector H. Sandoval, Director of the Economic Analysis Program at UF.
“In fact, views of personal finances compared with a year ago have steadily improved since the presidential election in November.”
Floridians’ views of their personal financial situations compared to a year ago increased by 5.6 points, from 72 in May to 77.6 in June. Sunshine State residents are also bullish on buying big-ticket household items such as appliances and furniture, as that sentiment factor rose by 3.7 points to 77.6 in June.
Optimism about future economic conditions is also on the rise, as the outlook for finances a year from now jumped 2 points to 92.7. Florida consumers are also feeling confident about the national economic conditions over the next year, with that metric improving by 2.9 points to 83.7.
Sandoval said there still is some hesitancy among consumers.
“In contrast, expectations about future economic conditions remain below January’s highs, suggesting that Floridians remain cautious as ongoing uncertainty, especially around trade policy, continues to cloud the outlook,” Sandoval said.
President Donald Trump’s continued banter about possibly instituting new trade tariffs continues to cast a shadow over some of the economic optimism.
“New tariff threats continue to surface, including a recent announcement about ending trade talks with Canada. While the back-and-forth nature of trade policy may be making consumers somewhat less sensitive to each announcement, the continued uncertainty could still weigh on confidence,” Sandoval said.
The UF Consumer Sentiment Survey was conducted between May 1 and June 26 as researchers tapped 480 Floridians for their feedback through online and cellphone questionnaires.
Post Views: 0
The horrific shooting in Australia that claimed at least 16 lives during a Hanukkah celebration has prompted an expression of sympathy from Florida lawmakers.
The Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus issued a statement of condemnation of the violence during the Jewish observance on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The Caucus published its statement Sunday afternoon.
“The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus unequivocally condemns the horrific and senseless killing that occurred during Hanukkah in Australia. An act of violence against Jews celebrating their faith is an attack not only on a single community, but on the fundamental values of freedom, religious liberty, and human dignity,” the Florida Legislative Caucus said in a news release.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, with the victims’ families, and with Jewish communities around the world who are once again forced to confront hatred simply for being who they are. The State of Florida’s Jewish legislators join in mourning, remembrance, and resolve.”
The Florida LegislativeJewish Caucus has a dozen members from the House of Representatives and two State Senators.
Hundreds of people had gathered Sunday at the beach for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, when gunmen opened fire. At least 38 others were injured in the attack.
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said the death toll had risen from 12 to 16 overnight, including a 12-year-old child. Three other children are being treated in hospital, he said.
“This is absolutely horrendous for the community broadly, but particularly the Jewish community. … What we saw last night was the worst of humanity, but at the same time, the very best of humanity,” Park said.
The massacre at one of Australia’s most popular beaches followed a wave of antisemitic attacks that have roiled the country over the past year, although the authorities didn’t suggest those and Sunday’s shooting were connected. It is the deadliest shooting in almost three decades in a country with strict gun control laws.
One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second was arrested and in critical condition, authorities said. Police said one gunman was known to security services, but there was no specific threat.
At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, including two police officers, said Mal Lanyon, police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.
The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, including hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event celebrating the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.
___
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report with permission.
Behavioral health officials have a list of precautions for Floridians to deal with anxieities heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day.
While the holidays can bring a lot of comfort and joy, the can also be a stressful time and Florida’s health management entities are providing some helpful tips to deal with yuletide anxiety.
There are seven behavioral health managing entities in the state and all of them are aware that stress heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day can seem overwhelming at times. They’re advising balance may be one of the key elements in dealing with the holidays.
“The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be a time of stress, sadness and triggering situations,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities. “Florida’s behavioral health Managing Entities remind Floridians that behavioral health services are available, even to those who are uninsured or underinsured.”
The state’s behavioral health professionals are also providing a list of tips to help come to grips with any holiday tension including:
— Get plenty of exercise. Exercising boosts your mood and combats depression.
— Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness and depression.
— Set healthy boundaries and don’t overextend yourself. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce stress.
— Seek the help of a counselor for mental health needs. If you feel overwhelmed or the need to get help to address your feelings, contact a counselor.
— Call 2-1-1 if needed to connect with resources in your community.
— Call 9-8-8 if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
A mental-health treatment network has been established in the state for providers who deliver services to residents needing help. Those services extend to parents and children, veterans and the homeless.
Providers serve patients for not only mental health needs, but substance use, housing, transportation and employment help. Those managing entities are often overseen by community organizations and administrators and are accountable to state and federal funds.
Bobby Shmurda Involved in Brawl at Minnesota Club, on Video
JetBlue flight near Venezuela avoids midair collision with U.S. Air Force tanker
Ben Affleck Sees Both Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez at Son Samuel’s Show
-
Politics8 years agoCongress rolls out ‘Better Deal,’ new economic agenda
-
Entertainment8 years ago
New Season 8 Walking Dead trailer flashes forward in time
-
Politics8 years ago
Poll: Virginia governor’s race in dead heat
-
Entertainment8 years ago
The final 6 ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes might feel like a full season
-
Entertainment8 years ago
Meet Superman’s grandfather in new trailer for Krypton
-
Politics8 years ago
Illinois’ financial crisis could bring the state to a halt
-
Business8 years ago
6 Stunning new co-working spaces around the globe
-
Tech8 years ago
Hulu hires Google marketing veteran Kelly Campbell as CMO