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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida concerns at forefront in new Congress
Political clashes over immigration and Cuba have thrust Florida concerns to the forefront of the 114th session of Congress, which opened on Tuesday with festive swearing-in ceremonies mixed with signs of infighting to come. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Republican-led group launches ballot petition to boost solar power in Florida
Backers of broader use of solar energy in Florida have quietly launched a petition for the 2016 ballot that would allow those who generate electricity from the sun to sell the power directly to other consumers. If the measure passes, solar proponents argue that it would open up Florida's solar energy market, which has largely stagnated for years. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Time is running out to register!
Florida Trend is searching for Florida's best workplaces in the annual Florida's Best Companies To Work For program. Participation in the program is free, and companies with at least 15 full-time, regular employees are eligible and encouraged to participate. But time is running out to register - January 23 is the deadline. Read more here or find out how to register at bestcompaniesfl.com.
How a too-strong dollar might lead to a too-weak world
While it's a compliment to have a strong dollar, the honor is not without its downsides. When the dollar rises against other currencies, it increases risks to U.S. manufacturers. So economists are looking for signs that a good thing may be starting to go too far. [Source: NPR]
Gas prices drop for 100 days in a row
Gasoline in Florida has fallen for an unprecedented 100 days in a row. For many, falling gas prices equates to greater discretionary spending in places like restaurants. Businesses that use a great deal of fuel, like landscaping firms, also are benefitting. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Legislators to discuss state's culture of testing
The furor over state testing will discussed by two Senate committees on Wednesday. Legislators are not expected to take action Wednesday, but they are being lobbied by school districts and parent and teacher groups to make reforms this year to the state's testing culture. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Lake Nona strikes deal for 'lagoon' to anchor resort
A Miami-based company that specializes in creating recreational lakes announced a partnership with Tavistock Development to build an 11-acre lagoon as a centerpiece for a resort at Lake Nona.
» The Villages and Lake Nona are growth magnets
› Florida starts strawberry shipments a week late
After experiencing a late start, Florida strawberry shipments hit promotable volume the week of Dec. 22, about a week later than normal. While volume in late December and early January was high, buyers should expect a significant slowing of harvesting to begin in mid-January.
› Florida could become Deep South's prime gay wedding destination
With gay marriage now legal in Florida, same-sex couples from around the Deep South crossed the border Tuesday as the Sunshine State became a prime regional destination for gay and lesbian weddings still banned back home.
› Bakery operators ready to settle lawsuit with Jaguars owner
Attorneys for operators of a popular Murray Hill bakery say they’re ready to end their legal dispute for ownership of the business with Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan.
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