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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida’s housing market prices rose in February
Florida’s housing market did well in February, according to the Florida Realtors. It experienced higher median prices, more new listings, fewer days on the market and a stable level of inventory last month. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]
See also:
» South Florida home prices keep rising, but sales growth is slowing
» Southwest Florida home sales stay strong
» Tampa Bay home sales slow as prices grow
Florida House proposes 4 separate tax holidays
Floridians may get as many as four sales tax holidays this year. The House panel in charge of taxes on Thursday rolled out a package that calls for tax holidays for school supplies, gym memberships, energy efficient appliances and hurricane preparation supplies. [Source: AP]
NASA research could lead to way of predicting sinkholes
Radar images taken from planes or satellites could someday be used to predict where sinkholes might form — a potential boon for Florida, the nation's sinkhole capital. The possibility of an early-warning system stems from new NASA research into a monstrous sinkhole that opened in Louisiana in 2012, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Private school voucher expansion appears unlikely
State legislators appear unlikely this year to expand a Florida program that helps low income children attend private schools. The Senate sponsor on Thursday pulled the measure from further consideration this year. It's a tactical move that makes it highly unlikely any legislation will pass. [Source: AP]
Florida nurse practitioners seek more authority
Nurse practitioners think this will be their year. Doctors hope it’s not. Florida lawmakers this spring are considering bills to expand the role of advanced registered nurse practitioners, pitting them against physicians in an ongoing effort to expand their scope of practice. [Source: Naples Daily News]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Netflix about to start new series starring the Keys
The 13-episode drama commissioned by Netflix stars Kyle Chandler, an Emmy-winner for Friday Night Lights, and Oscar-winner Sissy Spacek. Shooting in the Islamorada area and throughout the rest of the Keys is expected to run through September.
› Women need 'fair shot' to get ahead, Obama says in Valencia speech
President Barack Obama came to Valencia College Thursday and used a friendly backdrop of college students to argue that his administration is positioned to help women, citing efforts to raise the minimum wage, increase college enrollment and expand health care.
› Hotel occupancy, rates stay strong in February
Central Florida hotels posted another good month in February, with occupancy rates increasing by 5 percent and average room rates rising by more than $6 a night compared with the same time last year.
› Hollywood manufacturer to expand
MarBlue, a Hollywood manufacturer of accessories for mobile devices, is expanding its international headquarters and research and development center in downtown Hollywood, the governor's office said Thursday.
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