SHARE:
Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
What's making US economy a world beater?
How does the U.S. economy do it? Europe is floundering. China faces slower growth. Japan is struggling to sustain tentative gains. Yet the U.S. job market is not only humming, the pace of economic growth is expected to grow at a healthy 3 percent this year. In this story from the Associated Press, they offer five reasons the United States is outpacing other major economies, including an aggressive central bank, flexible economy and roaring stock market.
 Ezra Katz |
Florida Trend Exclusive
Financing the real estate boom
Ezra Katz has seen it all during his 43 years in the real estate business in south Florida, during which time he’s inked real estate finance transactions totaling more than $10 billion. His companies are providing financing and direct investment for some of the highest-profile projects in Florida. Access story here (part of a news roundup for Miami-Dade).
Controversy spreads over Everglades oil drilling
Alarmed by the spread of oil drilling in the Everglades, environmental activists and some lawmakers are pressing for stricter regulation of the energy industry and a state ban on new fracking-like techniques that blast open oil deposits near Florida's aquifers. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Why interest rates may stay very low for a lot longer
Since the financial crash of 2008, one of the biggest guessing games in the U.S. economy and markets has centered on interest rates — and when they would finally rise from the historic lows that followed the Great Recession. But year after year, analysts who predicted a sustained rebound in rates have been foiled. [Source: LA Times]
Small business owners learn recession lessons
Many owners whose businesses failed during the recession have taken the plunge again, restarting or opening new businesses. But they're not repeating past mistakes. Their companies are leaner, smarter and less risky. [Source: AP]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› NextEra Energy focusing on wind, sun projects outside Florida
The parent company of Florida Power & Light has just spun off a new company for big sun- and wind-energy projects, but don't expect any of those ventures in South Florida soon.
› Winter Park merchants see business bounce from SunRail
SunRail has exceeded ridership estimates in its early months of operation, and it's exceeding expectations in another way, too. The commuter train is being credited with boosting the bottom line for businesses near the Winter Park station.
› Winning over Tampa Bay market won't be easy for Winn-Dixie
When Winn-Dixie took over Sweetbay supermarkets in April, it swapped the signs and shopping carts but basically left the stores the same. Long term, Winn-Dixie hoped to narrow gaps between stores and gain market share in an area dominated by Publix and, to a lesser but growing degree, Walmart.
› Medical marijuana initiative popular with Florida seniors
A Quinnipiac University poll charted support in those older than 65 at a whopping 84 percent and 88 percent among all voters. While support of recreational usage drops dramatically in that older age group, in that same poll, among voters 50 to 64 years old, 62 percent admitted smoking pot, more than any other demographic.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
In case you missed it:
