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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
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]
“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]
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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.
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