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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida businesses eye Mideast aviation bonanza
Tucked near the back of one of the world's largest airshows is a modest pavilion for the state of Florida, where a handful of businesses are trying to get a piece of the billions being invested in the aviation industry by wealthy Arab governments. [Source: AP]
Business energy tax cut could be on hold
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam says his proposal to trim the sales tax on energy used by businesses may have a hard time advancing during the coming legislative session. Putnam's proposal would cut the sales tax that private firms pay for electricity to 3.5 percent, collectively saving businesses about $250 million a year. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Hotels adding new and bigger holiday attractions
South Florida hotels are going beyond the traditional holiday tree and decorations and are adding bells and whistles to attract new and repeat business during the festive season. The new attractions can help properties stand out when consumers are making vacation decisions, industry specialists say. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Farm bill takes aim at state animal welfare laws
The future of state laws that regulate everything from the size of a hen's cage to the safe consumption of Gulf oysters may be at stake as farm bill negotiators work to resolve a long-simmering fight between agriculture and animal welfare interests. [Source: AP]
Business portrait of
Lee County
As Lee County celebrates its 125th anniversary, it is experiencing a resurgent economy and a healthy broadening of its traditional business base. At this profile, you'll find an in-depth look at the business communities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Sanibel. We also name key companies and people to know. The full report is here.
Latest report shows Florida crime rate down
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement recently released its semi-annual crime report, which tracks murders, burglaries, car thefts and other violent crimes. Overall, reported crime was down about 5 percent in Florida from January to June 2013. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› In Miami, Ericsson tackles new tech for traffic woes
Global telecom giant Ericsson came to – where else? – South Florida this week to announce a new effort aimed at using technology to solve traffic problems in major cities.
› USF poised to create Florida cybersecurity center
Cyberattacks reported by federal agencies have grown nearly 800 percent in the past six years. PricewaterhouseCoopers reports that in the private sector, 93 percent of organizations experienced some form of cybersecurity breach in the previous year. Who will take on that scourge? Maybe the University of South Florida.
› Disney lays off more parks executives
With the latest moves, Disney has now laid off at least half a dozen parks executives in recent months, including two from its research team and another from its Internet group.
› Give Miami Day begins Wednesday
Philanthropy isn’t just for the rich Wednesday, the Miami Foundation will encourage contributions from $25 and more with its second Give Miami Day, which began at midnight Tuesday.
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