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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Defying national trend, Floridians' confidence up
Surprisingly, Floridians seem to be shrugging off higher payroll taxes and new cuts to federal spending. The latest numbers from the University of Florida’s consumer-confidence index showed a small gain, even as a national barometer recorded renewed worry among consumers who have been facing higher gas prices, higher deductions from their paychecks and seemingly endless headlines about cutbacks from Washington. More from the Miami Herald, the Ocala Star-Banner and the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida Small Business 2013
Florida Trend's website for small business is all new for 2013, with success stories, advice and resources to boost your business. 
The site is full of information for start-ups and entrepreneurs, including:
» Start-Up Toolbox
» dba Florida (the Official Guide to Registering Your Florida Business)
» Resources
» Smart advice from the experts
» Success stories
Column: Time to clean up small-business expenses
Costs can creep up through the years, so it’s worthwhile to canvass, compare, call. Do your research. Then get on the phone to see what kind of deals you can negotiate with your existing suppliers or their competitors. It’s spring, time for the annual ritual of spring cleaning your small-business expenses. [Source: Florida Today]
Study: Health overhaul to increase cost in Florida
Medical claims costs — the biggest driver of health insurance premiums — could jump more than 20 percent for Floridian's individual policies under the federal health overhaul, according to a study by the nation's leading group of financial risk analysts. [Source: AP]
Florida flexes political muscle
Florida is finally flexing a little political muscle. After 168 years of seeing their politicians play only minor roles on the national stage, Floridians suddenly have legitimate presidential contenders, an influential national party leader and key voices shaping national policy in both major parties. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› SeaWorld Entertainment's profit soars
Annual profit soared more than 300 percent last year at Orlando-based SeaWorld Entertainment Inc., even as the company weighs a possible public stock offering later this spring. The owner of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens theme parks said it earned $77.4 million in 2012, according to updated regulatory filings, more than triple the $19.1 million it made in 2011.
› Housing bust damage to last through 2019
The housing market’s rebound continues to gain momentum. And while the latest numbers continue to look good for homeowners — and perhaps motivating for would-buyers sitting on the fence — the long view continues to show a stunning collapse in what was once among the hottest real estate markets in the world.
› FGCU could mean big economic boost for southwest Florida
The Eagle's win is the single biggest thing to happen to FGCU since it opened 22 years ago. And the opportunity for southwest Florida to profit from it is enormous.
› Tampa Bay a finalist for college football title game
Tampa is one of two finalists to host Division I college football's first championship game in its four-team playoff format, a Bowl Championship Series official confirmed Tuesday. The 2015 title game will be the first under a new four-team playoff to determine the national championship.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
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