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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What You Need to Know About Florida Today
› South Florida attracts domestic home buyers, too
New Yorkers, Washingtonians and Atlantans are logging more and more internet searches for South Florida real estate, a sign that the region's troubled housing market could receive even more outside investment in the future.
In the wake of a severe housing bust, Florida has become one of the most popular locales for Americans seeking low-priced real estate, according to a report released Wednesday by real estate website Trulia.com.
› Health care costs grow 6% in '11
Florida business owners expect health benefits for their employees to cost them 8% more in 2012 if they do not alter coverage levels, according to a survey of 100 companies with 10 or more workers. In 2011, health benefit costs increased 5.7%, to roughly $9,000 per worker, according to the National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans conducted by Mercer. Florida's costs were below the national average of roughly $10,000 per worker, Mercer says.
› Jacksonville shipping company Trailer Bridge files Chapter 11
Trailer Bridge, the Jacksonville-based shipping and trucking company, announced Wednesday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
That comes one day after the company had $82.5 million in bond debt due.
The company will continue operations during the reorganization and said it did not expect any changes in its schedules.
» TopRank Florida 2011
» Public Companies in Deep Debt (2009)
› Publix Food Recycling Site Turns Waste into Compost Products
A new facility in South Florida will help recycling efforts at Publix stores.
On Tuesday, Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. and Houston-based Waste Management announced the opening of the Organics Recycling Facility in Okeechobee. The seven-acre facility, located next to a Waste Management landfill, uses a computer-controlled aeration system to process food waste from Publix stores into organic compost products.
› Southwest Florida used-car dealers deal with falling prices
Falling wholesale prices for used cars may make it easier for shoppers to find a bargain as long as their budgets aren't too small.
On a national average, used car prices are down about 10 percent since reaching a recent peak in June, said Alec Gutierrez, manager of vehicle evaluation for Kelley Blue Book.
› Naples City Council urges businesses to stop selling flavored tobacco
Council members voted 6-1, passing a resolution to urge Naples business owners not to sell flavored tobacco products given their appeal to youth.
Mayor Bill Barnett spearheaded the effort to bring the resolution before council.
Two council members eagerly seconded the motion to pass the resolution. The one dissenting voice was Sam Saad who said that while he detests smoking, he did not think government should be interfering in the way residents and business owners choose to lead their personal lives.
