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What You Need to Know About Florida Today

Matt Nelson | 8/31/2009

MONDAY, AUG. 31, 2009

THE GULF:
Push for Drilling Off Coast Is Well-Oiled

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A secretive group of powerful legislators, business groups and Texas oil companies has been laying the groundwork since December to win legislative approval to open Florida waters to oil exploration and end the 20-year drilling moratorium. Read on ... [Source: Times/Herald]


LAKEWOOD RANCH:
Future Doctors Who Won't Use 'M.D.'

The growth at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine's campus of 600 students reflects the rapidly growing field of osteopathy, a less-common field of medicine where more than half of students go into family practice or general medicine, fields where shortages are expected to become increasingly severe. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

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SOUTH FLORIDA:
International Trade Sector in Deep Slump

South Florida's international trade sector, which has reliably created jobs and generated revenue for the region, is in the midst of the worst slump in recent memory. After years of steady trade growth, South Florida exporters and importers are dealing with weak demand for merchandise and lower prices for many exports, as well as a lack of trade financing from banks -- a problem that's especially acute for small and mid-size firms. "Banks are being extremely shy and conservative, and this is clogging up trade," said Gary Goldfarb, executive vice president at WTDC, a Miami-based supply chain infrastructure company that handles imports and exports for a range of clients. [Source: Miami Herald]


STATEWIDE:
As Falling Values Help Recent Homebuyers, Longtime Owners Hurt

As residents get their annual tax notices, many of those with the highest property tax burden — newer homeowners who bought at top-dollar prices — are happy to see a sharply lower bill. At the same time, some longtime homeowners who enjoyed years of having tax bills capped thanks to the Save Our Homes constitutional amendment face rising taxes even though their property values plunged. [Source: St. Petersburg Times]

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:


› Some Republicans Criticize Crist's Pick for SenateGov. Charlie Crist's decision to name former aide and political strategist George LeMieux to fill the seat of retiring Mel Martinez was immediately controversial Friday. Some say Crist chose a candidate for personal loyalty rather than Washington experience or ability to do the job. Also: Crist, LeMieux cleared in Mutual Benefits probe



› Red-Light Cameras Being Challenged Across Florida

Last year, Pembroke Pines turned on its first red-light camera. Across South Florida, other cities followed. But now critics - and lawsuits - are questioning whether the cameras pass legal muster.

› Venture Capital Has Long Road to Recovery in Florida

Are there signs of life in venture capital? On first blush, you might think so. Florida had its best quarter in a year, as five companies pulled in a combined $65.1 million — double that of the same quarter last year. But don't proclaim a revival just yet, said Richard Fox.

› Sacino & Sons Formal Wear Chain Files for Chapter 11

Sacino & Sons, a family-owned formal wear chain that's been a familiar name for generations of prom-, wedding- and quinceanera-goers across Florida, on Friday filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

› State Says Acreage May Have Elevated Cancer Rates
It's still unclear if environmental contamination has caused any of The Acreage cancer cases.

› Universal Orlando's Steven Spielberg Dilemma

Spielberg is standing between the resort and an April 1, 2010, deadline to refinance $1 billion worth of debt.

› Ballot Initiative to Ban Gerrymandering Starts to Draw Foes
If the two constitutional amendments pass, congressional and legislative voting districts could not be designed to favor any political party or incumbent.

› New Rule Restricting Robocalls Takes Effect Tuesday
Annoyed by prerecorded "robocalls" from telemarketers? Beginning Tuesday, a new federal rule will stop telemarketers from hounding consumers with the prerecorded sales pitches and malicious marketing ploys. No opt out necessary.

› Critics Say Stimulus Funds for FAU Research Are Unnecessary

Scientists say today's stimulus spending could produce medical breakthroughs of lasting value. The money will allow them to hire lab assistants over the next weeks and months. But critics say these efforts, however worthy, are a lousy way to spur the economy or put the unemployed back to work. Also: USF research on sports injuries reveals some surprises


Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Bank Bailouts Have Drawn $4B in Profits So Far
Early calculations show that eight of the biggest banks that received bailout funds last year have fully repaid their obligations, and the U.S. government has collected about $4 billion in profits. Data: Florida fourth among the states in 2009 bank failures

› Times Publishing Hit With $10 Million Judgment in Libel Suit
The former chief of medicine at Bay Pines VA Medical Center prevailed Friday in a libel lawsuit against Times Publishing Co. The Times will appeal the jury's decision.

› Recession Triggers Palm Beach County Office Space Shuffle With nearly a quarter of the county's office market now vacant, good office space can be had for good prices. Workers also are plentiful, now that the county's unemployment rate has reached 11.3% rate.

commentary
› Crist Serves Himself, Not Florida, With Appointment
Gov. Crist's selection of George LeMieux, his former campaign manager and chief of staff, should come as no surprise. It's just one more disappointing decision by Crist in recent months that puts his self-interest in going to Washington above the best interests of Floridians.

› When Colonial Bank Fell, BB&T Swooped in, Becoming a Force
BB&T more than tripled its footprint in Florida overnight, double its deposits in the Tampa Bay area to $3.3 billion and suddenly arrive as a big player in new markets like Miami-Dade County.

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Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

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