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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Lawmakers are likely to return home this week without an agreement on meaningful health care reform, despite the early endorsement of Gov. Rick Scott and the pleas of businesses and hospitals. With two days remaining in the legislative session, Republicans in the House are no closer to caving on accepting $51 billion in federal health insurance aid. Democrats are no closer to being recognized as a legitimate partner in talks. Read more from the Tampa Bay Times and see our Legislative Roundup below:
» Gov. Rick Scott vetoes alimony, signs campaign finance and ethics
» Lawmakers cut a deal on Citizens reforms
» California company snags last-minute tax break from Florida lawmakers
» Biofuel producer says Legislature may force him to expand out of state
» House OKs bill to prolong foster care
 A re-creation of the Mission San Luis in Tallahassee. The actual mission, considered the “capital” of Florida’s missions, was abandoned in 1704. » Full story |
Florida Trend Exclusive
The Mission Culture in Florida
While most of Florida's Hispanic population now lives in the south, the state's northern tier was once the seat of Hispanic culture, including a network of Franciscan missions. Full story.
Teacher raises will kick in this year – not 2014
Florida's teachers could get raises as soon as this summer under a revised budget agreement state lawmakers hammered out Wednesday. The change means school employees won't have to wait until June 2014 for a pay hike, as legislative leaders had decided earlier in the week. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Made-in-U.S. construction moves beyond housing
For years, the construction industry has been focused on energy-efficient certifications, and it's only been since unemployment spiked during the recession that builders have begun emphasizing using products and materials from this country. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Related:
» Tampa Bay area back among construction job creators
Small-batch distilleries a hot trend in spirits business
Spirits handcrafted by boutique booze-makers may see some growth in market share as more Americans try to support smaller enterprises, according to industry experts who spoke this week at the 70th annual Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America convention at the Grande Lakes Orlando resort. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Gainesville celebrates 30th annual National Tourism Week
From its growing technology industry to its natural attractions and sporting events, Alachua County has a way of finding itself in the national spotlight and on the radar for curious travelers. The county hosted more than 1,765,000 visitors in 2012, in turn generating more than $3.5 million in tourism tax.
› Embraer delivers first of its Phenom jets at Melbourne facility
Embraer Executive Jets on Wednesday celebrated what the company is calling "a major milestone in its history" - delivery of the first of up to 125 Phenom 300 light jets to NetJets.
› Best bass fishing lakes in Florida? Bassmasters says there are seven
The best bass fishing lakes in Florida -- and the nation -- have been identified by Bassmasters Magazine. Depending on where you live in Florida, a couple may be close to your backyard.
› Cosmic Cafe owner shares his love of Airstream trailers
To some folks, Airstreams are quaint, plain and old-fashioned. To others, they are an uncompromising symbol of enduring quality and represent the optimism of a post-war, family-oriented era. Jason Reed is definitely in the latter camp.
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