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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Obama: US re-establishing relations with Cuba
President Barack Obama announced the re-establishment of diplomatic relations as well as an easing in economic and travel restrictions on Cuba Wednesday, declaring an end to America's "outdated approach" to the communist island. This historic shift aims to bring an end to a half-century of Cold War enmity. "Isolation has not worked," Obama said in remarks from the White House. "It's time for a new approach." Read more from the AP.
Related:
» Read the full fact sheet from the White House, "Charting a New Course on Cuba."
» Stocks Soar on Rumors of U.S. Relations With Cuba [Source: Newsweek]
» Historic announcement blasted by Florida's Cuban-American leaders [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
» Republicans livid over Cuba talks, call it appeasement [Source: Politico]
Florida leads nation in mortgage fraud
Florida leads the nation in mortgage fraud — a dubious distinction the state has held for the past five years, according to a new report from LexisNexis Risk Solutions . More at the Miami Herald.
St. Pete businesses bemoan Rays’ deal to explore
Some St. Petersburg chamber members and local business leaders say letting the Rays leave would hurt the economy and mean job losses in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. More at TBO.com.
Underwater mortgages falling as home prices rise
Higher home values have reversed so-called negative equity, allowing beleaguered borrowers to test the market after they had been stuck in their properties, unable to move for jobs or to be closer to family. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Theme-park fans can find holiday-shopping gems
Holiday shoppers can rely on theme parks for gifts unique to Central Florida. But online sales and select retail outlets have made it possible to land some of the distinctive merchandise without storming the turnstiles. More at the Orlando Sentinel.
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