March 28, 2024

Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/4/2014

Gov. Scott gets personal and political in State of State speech

Florida Gov. Rick Scott delivered an election-year State of the State address to the Legislature on Tuesday in which he contrasted his own "courage" in handling Florida's improving economy with the "terrible mess" left behind by his predecessor and likely opponent, former Gov. Charlie Crist. More at the Tampa Bay Times.

See also:
» Gov. Rick Scott's State of the State speech marks opening of legislative session
» Text of the State of the State speech, as prepared for delivery


National parks in Florida drew 10.6 million people

A new federal report shows that national parks in Florida received 10.6 million visitors and supported 8,064 jobs in the state in 2012. The National Park Service said Monday that visitors to national parks in Florida spent $572.6 million. More at the AP.


Poor Floridians fall into Medicaid gap

Sports Business

Stadium competition heats up

orlando soccer
Central Florida’s professional soccer and Daytona Speedway backers could have to get in line next year with other sports franchises to get sales-tax rebates for new and improved stadiums.

The House’s Economic Affairs Committee on Monday unveiled a proposal to create a new ranking process for professional sports teams seeking taxpayer subsidies.

» Full story from the Orlando Sentinel

Roughly 1 million uninsured Floridians — including about 18,000 in Brevard County — who repeatedly heard affordable health insurance was just around the corner for them, thanks to President Barack Obama’s new law, are finding a harsh reality — they’re too poor to qualify. More at Florida Today.


AutoNation open to sell Tesla, as sales outpace industry

Fort Lauderdale-based AutoNation on Tuesday opened the door to offer Tesla electric vehicles in its lineup, as it reported monthly sales of new vehicles again outpacing the U.S. average. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


No casinos in Florida House gambling bill

A Florida House gambling proposal released late Monday would do away with nearly a dozen inactive pari-mutuel permits and create a gambling oversight board but is most notable perhaps for what it lacks. More at the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Out of the Box
Essence of strawberry

strawberry University of Florida scientists believe they have pinpointed the exact compounds in strawberries that give the fruit its delightfully unique flavor – findings that will allow UF breeders to create more flavorful varieties even faster. What’s more, the researchers believe that eventually, those naturally occurring compounds will be used to make processed foods taste sweeter, using far less sugar and no artificial sweeteners.

» Full story from UF News


Tags: Daily Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Structural technology keeps Skyway Bridge safe from mass destruction
Structural technology keeps Skyway Bridge safe from mass destruction

USF marine scientist Mark Luther, says dozens of concrete barriers protecting the bridge from collision is just the beginning of an ongoing effort to keep it safe.

 

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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