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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What You Need to Know About Florida Today
Florida's tourism gets a boost from a Brazilian invasion
"Oi -- Sejam bem-vindos!" -- meaning "Hi, welcome!" -- is a Portuguese phrase heard more and more these days at Florida's tourist spots.
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Floridian of the Year: BRAZIL
In a dreadful economy, Brazilian companies and entrepreneurs stood out for stepping up their investments in the state. Read the Feature: Brazil brings real benefit to Florida |
» Floridian of the Year: Brazil
Third of Florida's seniors have only Social Security to depend on
A third of Florida's nearly 3 million retirees, 65 and older, now rely entirely on Social Security, according to an analysis by AARP. "Folks have spent down their assets," said Jeff Johnson, AARP interim director in Florida. More Floridians are likely to end up only on Social Security than retirees in the rest of the country: A quarter of U.S. retirees, 65 and older, have only their monthly checks as income, Johnson said. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Senator wants to send Florida sports franchises a bill for $300 million
A state Senator is ready to send a bill for $300 million to a variety of sports franchises in Florida because he says they're breaking the law when it comes to accepting tax dollars. Sen. Mike Bennett is upset with about 20 sports franchises that receive state cash but don't open up their facilities to be used as homeless shelters, as required by law. Read more from WTSP and the Palm Beach Post.
Placing their bets
Poarch Band of Creek Indian business leaders and their Florida backers are betting that Creek Entertainment Gretna, which opened in Gadsden County in December with a poker room, barrel racing and plans for other equestrian events, will be a lucky play for them as well as the regional economy. Read more...
 The $20-million Creek Entertainment Gretna � which includes poker and barrel racing � opened last month. [Photo: Colin Hackley] |
Questions raised about Florida Progress nuke settlement
An advocacy group raised questions Monday about a wide-ranging settlement agreement that includes Progress Energy Florida continuing to charge customers for a proposed Levy County nuclear-power project. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Related:
» Group appeals to Florida Supreme Court in effort to block nuclear plant prepayment fees
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› After nearly 60 years, Disney to let theme-park workers grow beards
After nearly 60 years, Mickey Mouse has decided to let his workers put their razors away.
The Walt Disney Co. announced Monday that it would let employees at its two U.S. theme-park resorts — including its more than 60,000 workers at Walt Disney World — grow beards or goatees.
› Orlando, Miami among hardest cities to find a job
Sunny Orlando, home to "the happiest place on Earth," might sound like the perfect place for a fresh start—but job seekers there would disagree. It turns out life is not a beach for job seekers in Miami, either. The cruise capital may have clean air, pure drinking water, and vast green spaces, but it doesn't have many openings.
› "Completely new relationship" for Jackson Health System, UM
Leaders of the Jackson Health System and the University of Miami are developing a plan that will dramatically alter their sometimes testy relationship by creating a clear dividing line between UM doctors who work at Jackson and those who work for UM's own health enterprise.
› Discouraged workers re-entering job market
Florida's labor force grew to 9.23 million in December, about 4,000 higher than a month earlier, according to state data released Friday.
That's a signal some discouraged workers are re-entering the workforce, said Sean Snaith, economist for the University of Central Florida.
But 62 percent of Florida's unemployed are still workers who have lost jobs, according to a 12-month average ending in December, provided by the state.
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