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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
With dollar strong, Florida tourism industry watches for impact
As Americans find that their cash is packing more of a punch — and continue to reap savings from falling gas prices — travel providers are pitching this as the perfect time to book trips to Europe. At the same time, tourism promoters in Florida are watching to see whether currency fluctuations will keep international visitors away. [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida cities lead in 'underwater' homes
Florida cities are still among the nation's top metro areas in the share of "underwater" homes in their communities. Roughly a quarter of the homes in the Florida cities are underwater, a situation in which the loan on a home is greater than the worth of the property. [Source: WESH]
Jobless number shows promise for 2015
Fueled by newcomers moving south, renewed construction and cheaper gasoline, employment gains in Southwest Florida and those statewide showed promise for a strong 2015, based on December statistics released on Friday. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Spending marathon without end: military buffer zones
Buying up land around military bases has become an economic strategy all on its own in recent years, with millions being spent from Northwest Florida to California in a competition that's heating up. [Source: Pensacola News-Journal]
Canadians hope immigration bill will allow them a longer stay
Canadians aren't the first nationality that comes to mind for most people when they think about immigration politics in America.. But a little-noticed bill that has become wrapped up in the larger immigration drama would allow Canadians over 50 to visit the U.S. for up to eight months at a time, a potential economic boon for Florida [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Millions of genetically modified mosquitoes could be released in Florida Keys
Millions of genetically modified mosquitoes could be released in the Florida Keys if British researchers win approval to use the bugs against two extremely painful viral diseases.
› After 17 years, Florida, Nebraska company lawsuit continues
Seventeen years after it started, a multimillion-dollar insurance dispute between the state of Florida and a Nebraska company continues to meander through the courts.
› Orlando's Spring Home & Garden Show gives businesses future leads
Since participating in their first Orlando Home & Garden Show in September, Gilded Home, a luxury home furnishing company in Winter Park, has seen an uptick in business.
› For gay couples in Florida, an easier path to adoption
In recent years, a process known as second-parent adoption has been at the cutting edge of gay family law in Florida, but even lawyers who advocated its use had a love-hate relationship with it.
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