Business investment: No slowdown

Even heading into slower summer months, businesses on the Gulf Coast continued to boost spending on everything from computers to packaging, machinery and medical supplies.

According to the latest data available, taxable sales of such business expenses rose significantly across all areas of the Gulf Coast in June on an annual percentage-change basis.

Every area in the region posted higher annual percentage increases in business investment taxable sales in June than the state's 7.4% increase. Punta Gorda showed the biggest gain in the state, up 17.2%, followed by Miami, with 17%.

Three areas of the state posted annual percentage declines in taxable sales in business investment: Ocala (-3.6%), Orlando-Kissimmee (-1.8%) and Sebastian-Vero Beach (-0.9%).