University of Florida News

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Rising gas prices were the likely cause of a two-point dip in consumer confidence in April to 89, following a four-point hike in March, University of Florida economists report.

CEDAR KEY, Fla. — After weathering two of the worst hurricane seasons on record, Cedar Key is still one of the nation’s top clam producers. Starting from ground zero in 1993, the small village on Florida’s Gulf Coast – also known as “Clamalot” for its ideal growing conditions – rapidly became the No.1 producer of cultured hard clams in the nation.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Even model employees can become negative and unproductive if their bosses are rude or mean-spirited, according to a new University of Florida study.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Stock market gains helped to boost consumer confidence four points in March to 91, regaining half of the eight-point decline from the previous month, University of Florida economists.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — While some agricultural producers are facing tough times, Florida alligator farmers are cashing in on reptile chic – the growing worldwide demand for alligator skins on everything from belts and boots to $10,000 designer handbags.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Citrus canker and greening will reduce the volume of fruit produced in Florida over the next 15 years, and the state may never return to the level of fruit harvested in 2003 before hurricanes spread canker around the state, according to a new University of Florida report.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Grocers, florists and even pharmacists may soon have a better way to monitor the quality of the products they get from suppliers: a sensor that will tell how long before a product spoils or passes its expiration date.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Attention shoppers: A new University of Florida study finds that buyers want stores to be turn-ons when they browse for fun but prefer sedate environments when seeking mundane merchandise for everyday life.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s consumer confidence fell eight points in February to 87, reflecting pessimism about higher gas prices and rising interest rates, which are beginning to hurt housing sales, refinancing and home equity loans, University of Florida economists report.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Giving employees a built-in excuse for lousy performance in humdrum or nasty tasks also gives them a way out of doing a good job, a new University of Florida study finds.