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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida's solar energy really sizzles in April
Nothing brings a surge of solar energy in Florida like the mild, sunny days of April. And every year -- though not without setbacks -- the state's combined solar output increases. Those Florida utilities most involved in solar will generate enough electricity this April for 12,000 homes. Just five years ago, that was regarded as an enormous amount of alternative energy for Florida. Before long, it may rank as a blip in the record books. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida's Economic Yearbook 2013
Featured today, an in-depth look at the economy in each of these regions:
"Eyeball wars" end in a unanimous compromise deal
A decades-long battle between Florida's optometrists and ophthalmologists -- nicknamed the "eyeball wars" – is finally over. The Florida Senate, in a 40-0 vote, sent a measure to Gov. Rick Scott Thursday that effectively ended a long battle between the two politically powerful groups by allowing optometrists to prescribe a limited array of drugs while also putting in new protections for patients. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Environmental groups clear signature hurdle for 2014 amendment
Environmental groups announced a major hurdle Thursday in their attempt to put on the 2014 ballot a constitutional amendment to set aside $10 billion over 20 years to purchase and maintain conservation lands without raising taxes. The measure, known as the Florida Water and Land Legacy Amendment, received enough verified signatures to have the legal language reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court. [Source: Times/Herald]
Florida escapes worst of flu season that’s now winding down
The flu season that got off to an unusually early and severe start and took a particularly harsh toll on the nation’s seniors, now appears to be winding down, according to the Centers for Disease Control. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Lockheed picks Texas exec to run Florida sim unit
Lockheed Martin Corp. has selected a manager from Texas, Jonathan Rambeau, as the new top executive of its Orlando-based training-simulation operations, the company said Thursday.
› Businesses lament possibly losing nearby gaming parlors
When a neighboring Internet cafe with slot-like computer games suddenly went dark in Bonita Springs, Jerry Paul felt a bit like a losing gambler. For him, it meant a fall off in business at Anthony’s Trattoria. As one of the restaurant’s owners, he saw a 10 to 15 percent drop in his business, or a loss of 40 to 50 customers a week.
› Could rockets launch from Volusia County next?
Commercial space companies are looking for new areas across the country to launch their rockets. And Space Florida thinks it has found the perfect place to locate a space port.
› Jobs agency reaches deal to repay feds
Workforce Central Florida has reached an agreement with state and federal officials to repay almost $740,000 in money that auditors determined was spent inappropriately four years ago to settle a lawsuit over a lease deal that went bad.
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