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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Private equity deals poised for takeoff in Florida
Florida is the headquarters for 37 private equity firms, up from 27 firms in 2010. The expanded presence of private equity investors in the state is a positive sign, because funders often prefer to be close to the companies in which they invest. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]
Related, from Business Florida:
» A list of Florida's major venture capital firms and select angel funds
Former Enterprise Florida CEO Gray Swoope says site selectors gave him a heads-up when Hertz was looking to relocate. [Photo: Enterprise Florida]
Florida Trend Exclusive
An exit interview with Gray Swoope
Gray Swoope, former CEO of Enterprise Florida, talks about his relationship with the Legislature, his biggest accomplishment and Florida’s progress on attracting businesses. Swoope offers his take on who Florida's biggest competitors are when it comes to attracting business. Access full story.
Exile support for Obama's Cuba policy on the rise
A poll of Cuban-Americans shows support for the White House's new Cuba policy has risen in the three months since it was announced, with 51 percent now in favor of closer engagement with Cuba, up from 44 percent in December. [Source: Reuters]
Manufacturing on the Rise in Florida
When one thinks of business in Florida, most think of tourism—amusement parks, fishing, golf, and beaches—or Florida’s world-famous citrus agriculture—oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries. Perhaps Florida’s best kept secret: Florida’s manufacturing sector is surging forward. [Source: National Law Review]
Opinion: A new approach to networking, wellbeing
There’s a burgeoning socially-conscious community in South Florida building various types of altruistic infrastructure — from mindful businesses, to philanthropic initiatives and resources supporting integrated, expansive approaches to wellbeing. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida made body armor saves Illinois officer
Phalanx Defense Systems, a Gainesville-based body armor manufacturer, recently tallied its first save when its gear prevented an Illinois police officer from receiving more serious injuries from a shotgun slug.
› 1 Hotels offering 11 percent discount — for 11 years
1 Hotels, an eco-focused brand that just opened its first property in Miami Beach, is offering a long-term discount for people who sign up for email updates through late Thursday.
› Feds suspending health care talks with Florida legislators
Florida officials say the federal government is suspending negotiations over the potential loss of more than $1 billion in money now flowing to the state's hospitals.
› State economic leader praises Florida ports
Port Panama City is poised for major growth in the coming years as state officials increase their pitches to convince companies to use it, Florida Secretary of Commerce Bill Johnson said Wednesday.
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