March 28, 2024

Thursday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/31/2013

Legislators urge transparency on economic incentives

In fiscal 2012, nearly $72 million in incentive payments were made to 103 companies that created 13,000 new jobs with an average annual wage of $69,000. State representative Jose Rodriguez said more transparency is needed in those taxpayer-funded programs and he has proposed legislation for more stringent reporting for economic incentives. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]


Eric Draper
“Land prices are lower than they have been in 15 years. This is exactly the moment you want to borrow.” — Eric Draper, executive director, Audubon of Florida More


Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida's debt debate

Since taking office in 2011, Scott has made reducing the state’s debt level a fiscal centerpiece of his administration. For many, including Scott, lower state debt amounts to good financial stewardship, tax savings, a lessened burden on the taxpayer and an ideological triumph. For those who operate schools, however, less debt means decaying facilities and no new buildings. Full story.


Lots of finger-pointing over Florida election woes

A look at Florida's troubled election this past fall prompted some finger-pointing and back-tracking Wednesday. Top party officials, two election supervisors and two legislators had a confrontational discussion about the 2012 election at the Associated Press' annual legislative planning meeting. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]


Integrity Florida making waves

They’ve only been in business for one year, but already a dynamic duo has a chance to make major changes to state ethics laws. “Florida is leading the country in corruption and it’s time to crack down,” said Dan Krassner. Dan Krassner and Ben Willcox created Integrity Florida to make government more transparent. It appears to be working. [Source: WJHG]

You're Invited to a FREE
Web Chat on Real Estate

TOPIC: Are single-family homes a profitable investment strategy?
Special Guest: Jack McCabe
When: Tuesday, Feb. 5 @ 2:00 p.m.
Where: FloridaTrend.com/chats
Real Estate in Florida

Join Jack McCabe, an independent housing analyst in Deerfield Beach, and Florida Trend writer Amy Keller as they take your questions on investing in Real Estate in 2013.
arrowSubmit questions in advance, and sign up for an email alert!


Brookings Institution cites innovative nature of Florida's freight investments

Florida's investment in freight infrastructure is being highlighted as one of 10 state and metropolitan initiatives to watch by the Brookings Institution. Read more from the South Florida Business Journal and see the report.


ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Does Hollywood casino really offer the 'loosest slots in America'?
Earlier this month, Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood began promoting itself as having "the loosest slots in America." But is that really true? And what does that even mean?

› Panama City bumps Miami for top rebound in tourism spending
Miami-Dade’s tourism industry has lost its claim to Florida’s biggest economic comeback. Tourism spending is up 21 percent in Miami-Dade since the recession, an impressive rebound by any count. And until recently, no other industry in the state was posting stronger growth.

› State backs commercial space investments at Kennedy Space Center
At a meeting Wednesday in Tallahassee, Space Florida’s board approved funding to complete renovations to a former shuttle hangar and to repurpose another local facility for commercial use.

› Ruth's Chris will open restaurants in China
Winter Park-based Ruth's Hospitality Group said Wednesday it will start building restaurants in China. Four new Ruth's Chris Steak Houses will open in China over the next three years, the first in 2013.


Go to page 2 for more stories ...

Tags: Daily Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

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.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should Congress ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S.?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Need more details
  • What is TikTok?
  • Other (Comment below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2024 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.