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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Is Florida losing its luster for the rich?
"Florida millionaire" has a timeless air about it — except the state has fewer of them than it used to. The Sunshine State fell to 30th from 20th last year in a ranking of states based on their percentage of millionaire households. Read more from the Tampa Bay Times and see the full report.
Florida lawmakers secure additional funds to combat citrus disease
A provision in the recently negotiated farm bill is designed to tackle the scourge of citrus greening, a bacterial disease that is devastating to crops in Florida and several other states. Included in the legislation’s conference report is $125 million spread over five years that will be guaranteed to go to citrus disease research. [Source: McClatchy]
Medical marijuana headed to Florida ballot
A Florida constitutional amendment calling for medical marijuana will be decided by Florida voters in November now that the state Supreme Court ruled Monday that the proposed initiative and ballot summary aren't misleading. Read more from the Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times and see the court ruling.
Gov. Scott seeks 15-day hurricane supply tax holiday
Floridians would get a 15-day sales tax holiday on hurricane preparedness supplies ranging from portable generators to radios this coming June under a proposal outlined Monday by Gov. Rick Scott. Scott said the measure would save taxpayers about $20 million and is part of the Republican governor's overall plan to cut taxes by $500 million this year. [Source: AP]
Coast-to-coast Florida bike trail could cruise to approval
Florida bicyclists this year may achieve their dream: a safe, nature-lined bicycle trail connecting the state's coastlines. State policymakers are lining up behind a $50 million plan to tie together biking trails throughout Central Florida. Many see it both as an bonus for residents and a new draw for tourists who want to enjoy the state's natural beauty. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida-based hospital chain accused of scheme to inflate bills
A Florida-based hospital chain is currently battling a lawsuit after it was accused of scheming to inflate patient bills and target certain demographics. Health Management Associates is based in Naples and has 25 affiliated hospitals across the state.
› Miami-Dade, Beckham to talk soccer stadium
A downtown Miami soccer stadium could begin to take shape soon once negotiations begin in earnest Tuesday between Miami-Dade County and retired soccer star David Beckham’s investors, who are trying to create a new Major League Soccer team.
› Sarasota tourism surges in December
Tourism in Sarasota County got a record-breaking kick to end 2013, a potent signal that the much-vaunted Southwest Florida visitor industry rebound will likely continue this winter.
› Cancer Treatment Centers to HQ in Boca
More than 200 medical jobs are coming to Boca Raton as Cancer Treatment Centers of America announces it will base its operation in the city.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
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