March 28, 2024

Monday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/3/2014

Legislative agenda packed for upcoming session

The annual state legislative session that starts this week could result in changes that affect Floridians' everyday lives, from buying school backpacks to stopping at red lights or sampling a craft beer. Of course, 2014 is also an election year, for Gov. Rick Scott and many members of the Legislature. More from the Gainesville Sun and Florida Today.

See also:
» Budget, tax cuts, re-election are Scott's 2014 priorities
» Legislature 2014: The players in Tallahassee
» A torrent of cash is flowing through Tallahassee as lawmakers prepare for 60-day annual session
» Divergent local needs will be brought to state leaders

Florida Trend Exclusive
» 2014 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW: Florida's Budget


poker

Gambling in Florida: Don't bet on it

Gaming is fraught with powerful special interests on all sides, making any major changes to existing laws a challenge this year. “We’re lobbying very heavily for approval of at least one, integrated resort permit in south Florida,” says Nick Iarossi, a lobbyist with Capital City Consulting who represents Las Vegas Sands. Access the full story here.


Unemployed remain determined to work despite challenges

Nearly 4 million people have been unemployed for more than six months out of a pool of 10 million U.S. unemployed at year’s end, including 584,000 Floridians. [Source: TBO.com]


Winter-weary Americans flock to South Florida

As freezing temperatures, snowfall, and ice continue to chill the nation, South Florida’s tourism industry is fired up over all-time high numbers. “We really almost have lost count,” said Nicki Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau of the record year. “A lot of it has to do with how miserable the weather is.” [Source: Miami Herald]


Entrepreneurs pitch their products to investors

From a comfortable high heel and an odor-free toilet, South Florida entrepreneurs gave their pitches last week to potential investors at the Startup Expo in Boca Raton. About 300 people — 20-somethings to 70-somethings — attended the inaugural Startup Expo organized by the Gold Coast Venture Capital Association. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]


ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida flight schools push to meet international demand for pilots
As the worldwide demand for pilots increases, Florida flight schools will play a major role in training the next generation to take to the skies.

› Making better public spaces in Miami
The Miami Foundation is launching the second edition of its $130,000 public space challenge with a call for ideas that could create new gathering places and improve the city's shaky sense of community.

› After scary recent past, Stein Mart optimistic about its future
Five years ago was a not a good time for anyone in retail. But it was particularly bad for Stein Mart. Sales plummeted. Its stock, which peaked at $24.98 in 2005, fell to a low of $1.08 in March 2009.

› Fort Lauderdale warehouses could be next hot spot
A 30-year-old warehouse district on the fringe of downtown is on track to become the city's next hot spot. Some envision it as a version of Miami's Wynwood Arts District, with trendy cafes, galleries and boutiques occupying the dated buildings near the railroad tracks between Sistrunk and Sunrise boulevards.


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Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

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