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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
How the economy would’ve looked in normal weather
Much discussion has taken place recently about the dreadful weather and its impact on economic data. From two disappointing jobs reports to downbeat manufacturing data to Thursday’s sour retail-sales report, the weather has been used to explain away the recent economic soft patch. And it’s only expected to get worse. [Source: Wall Street Journal]
South Florida real estate market has international appeal
South Florida’s commercial and residential real estate markets remain hot for international investors as well as for homeowners moving from suburbs to downtown cores. Outside investments are good, but Related Group CEO Jorge Perez said one thing Miami needs is more local buyers. [Source: Miami Herald]
On Valentine’s Day, thank these guys for bringing the roses
If Cupid were to have a home, it would be Miami International Airport. In the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, about 738 million flowers — 85 percent of imported flowers — come through the Florida airport. Los Angeles is a distant second, with 44 million. [Source: AP]
Report links Florida film industry to tourism dollars
For every dollar they’re given in state tax credits, movies and television shows filmed in Florida could put more than $20 back into state coffers, according to a study released this week from the film industry. Specifically, the study looked at how much tourism money the film industry could attract from 2011 through 2017. That ranged from about $1.6 billion to $5.9 billion [Source: Miami Herald]
Older hotels get makeovers as investors pour in money
When the 718-room Radisson Resort near Celebration sold a year ago, the hotel was long overdue for a face-lift. Hotels typically get an overhaul every seven years or so, and the Radisson hadn't seen one in about 15. The Radisson is just one of the hotels getting major upgrades as money pours into Central Florida's lodging market. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida's golf industry visits the Capitol
Top representatives of Florida's golf industry visited the state capitol Thursday in recognition of "Florida Golf Day" to share messages about the game's economic impact, youth development programs, sustainability practices and environmental benefits.
› Scripps Florida awarded $2.3M for memory research
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter won a $2.3 million grant to study deficits in long-term memory and related brain diseases.
› Quest Workspaces offering free space in Doral
Quest Workspaces said it is donating rent-free office space, virtual offices and conference room rentals to local non-profits and charities at its new business center in Doral.
› Social-media ad firm raises capital to add 40 jobs
Social-media advertising networker IZEA Inc. says it is poised to raise $12 million from investors that will finance its latest expansion and the creation of as many as 40 new jobs this year.
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