VENTURE CAPITAL POST

State authorities in Florida have arrested and filed charges against three individuals who they alleged were doing illegal operations involving substantial amounts of Bitcoins, Krebs on Security reported.

Charlie Shrem and Robert Faiella, both executives of New York-based Bitcoin exchange business BitInstant, were arrested for money laundering in connection to the illegal drug transactions on an online black market, according to the Manhattan US attorney.

Sarasota, Florida-based investment group Pebble Aviation LLC acquired Burbank, California-based air charter and cargo services provider Ameriflight LLC for an undisclosed sum, as announced by both companies on Thursday.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will turn over one of its idled space-shuttle launch pad to Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), according to officials on Friday.

US-based oil and gas company BreitBurn Energy Partners LP has announced a definitive agreement to acquire oil and gas properties in Texas' Permian Basin for an estimated $282 million.

BBX Capital Corporation announced its acquisition of Florida-based premier chocolate product provider Hoffman's Chocolates, including its subsidiaries Good Fortunes and Boca Bons, for an undisclosed sum.

Florida-based retailer Edwin Watts Golf Shops LLC filed for bankruptcy protection in Delaware.

PricewaterhouseCoopers reported that Florida received around US$156 million across 14 venture capital deals in the second quarter.

According to a report, Florida received up to US$17 billion in private equity funding in 2012 while Orlando got a mere US$310 million

Landmark Apartment Trust of America bought eight new multifamily properties worth US$169.3 million .