3/16 Business Briefs: Bealls starts water safety campaign

BRADENTON — Bealls Department Stores has launched a campaign to increase water safety in Florida and highlight swimming safety education.

The Bradenton-based company has partnered with the USA Swimming Foundation to provide low-cost swimming lessons to those in need.

Available through March 22, Florida consumers can visit any Bealls Department Store in Florida and purchase a $3 donation voucher to fund low-cost swimming lessons for children in Florida who otherwise may never learn to swim.

Consumers will receive 15 percent off their purchases at Bealls next Sunday and Monday with the purchase of the $3 donation voucher.

Bealls will then donate 100 percent of donation voucher sales to the Make a Splash initiative.

According to national statistics supplied by Bealls, water safety is a huge issue in Florida, with the state ranking:

n first in the United States in drowning deaths among toddlers aged 1-4

n second in number of deaths due to drowning

n third with the highest unintentional drowning rate (deaths per 100,000).

“With unrivaled access to beaches, lakes, rivers and pools, water safety education must be a top priority for Florida, and Bealls is doing its part to help Floridians safely live the Florida lifestyle through our partnership with the USA Swimming Foundation,” Bealls President Lana Cain Krauter said in a press release.

Bipartisan jobs bill advances past filibuster

A bill that would provide tax credits to companies that hire unemployed workers has cleared a Republican filibuster in the Senate, opening the way for final congressional approval.

The Senate voted 61 to 30 on Monday to end debate on the bill.

The Senate is expected to vote on final passage Tuesday or Wednesday.

— Herald staff and wire