March 28, 2024

Wednesday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/31/2014

Florida leads nation in sign-ups for Obamacare

More than 670,000 Floridians have signed up for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act for 2015, the most of any state using the federal marketplace, And 94 percent of Florida enrollees will receive financial aid from the government. [Source: Miami Herald]


Florida consumer confidence hits post-recession high

Consumer confidence among Floridians continued it upward trajectory in December, reaching a post-recession high, according to a monthly survey by the University of Florida released Tuesday. The new measure of 87.4 marks the highest level of consumer optimism since February 2007. More from the Tampa Bay Times, the Gainesville Sun, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


Florida ranks second among movers

Florida was the nation's second most-popular destination for movers this year, according to Allied Van Lines. The company moved 6,558 people into the state and 4,807 out. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]


Wealth gap can split society and families

Experts see a growing trend. The same forces that have increasingly separated the richest Americans from everyone else is dividing brothers and sisters, too. It’s given rise to a mix of often conflicting emotions — jealousy and resentment, disappointment and distance, but also frequently understanding and respect. [Source: AP]


Judge dismisses Florida voucher program lawsuit

A judge on Tuesday dismissed one of two lawsuits aimed at Florida's controversial school voucher program. The suit challenged the 2014 expansion of a program that provides private-school scholarships for low-income children. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the AP.


ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Publix to offer benefits to married same-sex couples
The grocery chain with about 168,500 employees nationwide said it will start offering health, dental and vision benefits to any couple that is married in any state, regardless of the laws where the worker lives.

› Companies line up for Florida Venture Capital Conference
Companies are lining up to present at one of the state’s biggest venture capital events, the 24th Annual Florida Venture Capital Conference, Jan. 29-30, in South Florida.

› Short-sellers get boost from last-minute extension
The last-minute extension of a popular federal tax break should provide a financial boost for hundreds of struggling Southwest Florida homeowners.

› Manatees died in lower numbers in 2014
Sea cows were safer in 2014. While the numbers have yet to include the year's final week, the 361 manatee deaths tallied so far this year in Florida could make 2014 one of the best years for manatees in a while. Last year, 811 manatees died.


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