March 19, 2024

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/17/2014

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relations as well as an easing in economic and travel restrictions on Cuba Wednesday, declaring an end to America's "outdated approach" to the communist island.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

Editor's Page
En Route

mark howard
Decisions by Govs. Jeb Bush and Rick Scott to reject plans for a high-speed train between Tampa and Orlando are looking to be wise choices – especially in light of what California is going through.

» Access full column by Executive Editor Mark Howard here

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.

Exit Interview
UM President Donna Shalala

donna shalala University of Miami President Donna Shalala is retiring next year after 14 years as head of the school. In her conversation with Florida Trend, Shalala talks about her accomplishments, the role of the med school; and the school’s move into the Top 50 of U.S. universities.

» Access full story

Tags: Daily Pulse

In case you missed it:

Florida Trend Video Pick

Incoming income tax instructor indicated
Incoming income tax instructor indicated

Affordable housing remains an issue; Income tax guidance on its way; What's in the 2024 budget; A mysterious threat to endangered sea life; Bass Pro Shops founder's "Florida Dream"

 

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should Congress ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S.?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Need more details
  • What is TikTok?
  • Other (Comment below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2024 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.