April 25, 2024

Friday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 2/1/2013

Gov. Rick Scott proposes largest budget in Florida history at $74.2 billion

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday unveiled details of a $74.2 billion budget proposal — the largest in Florida history. Scott, who is seeking re-election in 2014, proposes to increase spending statewide by $4 billion, including $1.25 billion more for education. Much of that would cover a $2,500 teacher pay raise and a pension fund contribution that won't be felt in classrooms. [Source: Times/Herald]


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!

State introduces new Florida business brand

Enterprise Florida and Gov. Rick Scott unveiled the state's first official business brand today, a theme that economic development officials will use to attract more business to Florida. “Florida - The Perfect Climate for Business” combines the state’s reputation for having superb weather with attributes that make it an attractive place for companies to relocate or plan a startup. More from the Tallahassee Democrat and the Tampa Bay Times.

See also:
» Florida's $380,000 business logo
» Is a men’s tie in business logo offensive to women?


More people going to work ill because of no sick leave

Got the sniffles? While conventional wisdom may tell people to stay home if they're ill, more people are heading to work when they're sick. The reason: Experts said employees are hesitant to stay home from work if they don't have dedicated paid sick leave. [Source: Naples Daily News]


Blogging a valuable outlet for any business

A business or corporate blog can be an integral part of your marketing and communications strategy and can become a valuable asset. Such social platforms as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are in the headlines as more businesses and brands adapt to these new technologies. All of these tools work together, and a blog can be an ‘unsung hero’ in your marketing and communications mix. [Source: Florida Today]


Florida justices say Legislature can set tuition

The Florida Supreme Court says the Legislature rather than the Board of Governors has the authority to set tuition rates at state universities. The seven justices were unanimous Thursday in affirming an appellate court ruling that previously reached the same conclusion. More from the AP and the Tampa Bay Times.


ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› AutoNation to stamp dealerships with its brand name
There's McDonald's for burgers, Amazon for books and now, AutoNation for cars. At least that's the aim behind an announcement Thursday by the No. 1 auto dealer in the country that stores coast to coast will carry only its brand name: AutoNation.

› No more what to wear to work decisions at Osceola courthouse
Osceola County Clerk of Court Armando Ramirez leaves no question about what he wants his 160 employees to wear. Three weeks after taking office, Ramirez has issued the most detailed dress code for courthouse workers in Central Florida.

› Owner says contracts signed for Shops at St. Pete
Eight national tenants have signed contracts with The Shops at St. Petersburg and will open when the revamped BayWalk debuts in the first quarter of 2014, according to owner Bill Edwards. Two are restaurants and six are retailers.

› Can you claim money from BP settlement?
This week, oil giant BP learned they will have to pay $4 billion in criminal penalties relating to the deadly Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The payouts do not stop there and attorneys are spreading the word to potential clients.


Go to page 2 for more stories ...

Tags: Daily Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Florida shoe cobbler mends more than soles
Florida shoe cobbler mends more than soles

Jim McFarland, a fourth-generation shoe cobbler in Lakeland, Florida, never anticipated his trade mending shoes would lead to millions of views on social media. People are captivated by his careful craftsmanship: removing, then stitching and gluing soles on leather footwear.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Do you think recreational marijuana should be legal in Florida?

  • Yes, I'm in favor of legalizing marijuana
  • Absolutely not
  • I'm on the fence
  • Other (share thoughts in the comment section 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.