Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 5/12/2015

Florida's public hospitals brace for cuts

Hospital officials say they will be hurt if a special Medicaid program to help cover the costs of treating the poor ends in June. Meanwhile, groups lobby central Florida lawmakers to expand Medicaid under the health law, which would bring billions of additional federal dollars into the state. More at Kaiser Health News and the Miami Herald.

Cashing in on the marine economy

Building on a strong fishing history and an ideal spot in the midst of three national estuary programs, the Sarasota-Manatee-Charlotte county region already is building momentum on its own as a maritime economic development engine, a report commissioned by Gulf Coast Community Foundation says. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Arts, culture had a $2.4 billion impact on Northeast Florida economy

Editor's Column
Statute of Limitations

Our cover package on Cuba leads me to three conclusions: 1) There is no economic or moral reason to continue the trade embargo against Cuba; 2) The embargo will continue; 3) Eventually, probably after 2018, the hard-line exile types will get over the Castros.

» Mark Howard's full column

The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville estimates that in 2013 creative organizations and individuals had a $2.4 billion impact in seven counties of Northeast Florida. The counties are Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Clay, Baker, Putnam and Flagler. More from WJCT and the Florida Times-Union.

Cuba is Airbnb’s fastest-growing market

Airbnb Inc. Chief Executive Brian Chesky said Cuba is the company’s fastest-growing market, and President Barack Obama’s decision to reopen ties with the island nation has been a boon to the room-sharing service. More at the Miami Herald.

Biotech growth evident in state

Signs of a growing biotech industry could be seen in all directions during the recent 12th annual BioFlorida Celebration of Biotechnology. Three more tents were added this year to accommodate 94 tables, up from 80 last year. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Research and Innovation
Cancer Care: Statewide Efforts

Florida treatment centers are stepping up efforts to help patients recover quickly. Profiled in this article: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; Brian Slomovitz; Cleveland Clinic Florida; Maroone Cancer Center; Dr. Steven Roshon; and more.