March 28, 2024

Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/28/2013

Scott wants Obama to reimburse state for ports

Gov. Rick Scott wants the federal government to reimburse the state for tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars invested in Florida's ports. Scott committed $77 million in state funding to a dredging project for Miami's port in 2011. In January, Scott asked the Legislature to appropriate $36 million for Jacksonville port improvements. More at the AP and the Tampa Bay Times.

Related Florida Trend Content
» Cargo Opportunity
» Port of Miami: Dredging Deeper
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Florida puts 'welcome mat' back out for foreign drivers

Moving quickly to reinforce the state's tourism-friendly image, lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to repealing a law that has caused confusion about whether international visitors need special permits to drive in Florida. The Senate voted 38-0 to approve the measure (HB 7059), which also passed the House last week. The bill now goes to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature; he has said he will sign it. More at the Orlando Sentinel and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.


Miami Marlins team value rises 16 percent

Florida Ag Trends

Renewed interest in heirloom cattle from Florida

cracker cattle
An ancient and hearty breed of cattle may be Florida's next cash cow. The animals now known as Florida Cracker Cattle are descendants of cattle that arrived in Florida with Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in 1521.

» Full story from the AP

» Cracker Day brings barbecue, rodeo, tradition

» Details of Florida Cracker Cattle

Despite a horrendous season with players and fans, the Miami Marlins approach Opening Day worth more than ever, according to Forbes. The financial magazine on Wednesday released its annual estimates on the financials of Major League Baseball, and the Marlins recorded a 16 percent gain to be worth $520 million. More at the Miami Herald.


Environmental groups to sue over feds handing off endangered species duties to state

Last year, with no public hearings or fanfare, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service handed over its authority to a state agency for clearing the way for development permits that might hurt Florida panthers and other endangered species. Florida is now the only state with that authority. More at the Tampa Bay Times.


House Speaker uses Smart phones' cost to justify Florida college tuition increase

Saying Florida college students pay as much for their Smart phones in a year as their university tuition, Florida's House Speaker told state education leaders this morning that he supports raising tuition for public universities. The House revealed this week that it is proposing a 6 percent increase in base tuition for public universities in 2013-14. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Travel
Go around the world in 23 days … and for $68,000

machu picchuEver dream of a round-the-world vacation? One luxury-travel company has a trip leaving from Orlando this fall that features a sacred citadel, Indian palaces, ancient mummies and more. Just as remarkable as the 23-day itinerary is the price tag: $67,950 a person, based on double occupancy.

» Full story from the Orland Sentinel


Tags: Daily Pulse

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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

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