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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Amazon to add 2,000 new jobs in Florida
Amazon dramatically increased its footprint in Central Florida on Monday by confirming that it will hire 2,000 people at its distribution centers in Ruskin and Lakeland, nearly doubling its workforce as it continues to reshape the way people shop. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the AP.
Publix hits a $1 billion milestone as Florida's largest private company
Publix Super Markets Inc. experienced year-to-year gains in sales and net earnings during the second quarter of 2015. The Lakeland-based chain's sales for the quarter were $8 billion, a 6 percent increase from sales a year ago. Lorrie Griffith, editor of The Shelby Report, said, "They are just doing the right things to keep consumers coming back, whether it's the buy-one-get-one-free deals they offer or their selection of perishable products." [Source: The Ledger]
See also:
» Publix tops the list of largest private companies in Florida
» What the drop in Publix stock price says about the grocery industry
» What the continued decline of Whole Foods means for Publix
U.S. factory activity dips; consumer spending cools
U.S. factory activity slipped in July and consumer spending advanced at its slowest pace in four months in June, indicating that the economy had lost some momentum recently. But that could be short-lived as major automakers on Monday reported stronger-than-expected U.S. sales last month. More from Reuters, the New York Times, and Bloomberg.
Scott wants Medicaid insurance, hospital contracts examined
Gov. Rick Scott instructed state health officials Monday to examine hospital contracts, warning that contracts over 120 percent of the Medicaid cap will be subject to an "immediate corrective action plan" that includes possible termination. [Source: AP]
2008 is only a distant memory as Florida market turns red hot
Once a graveyard of empty homes and condo units following the collapse of the stock market in 2008, the Florida housing market has finally found its legs and is running full tilt – and that has mortgage lenders and investors smiling. [Source: MPA Magazine]
› President Obama's carbon rule has big implications for JEA and Northeast Florida
The finalized rule — dubbed the “Clean Power Plan” — would cut carbon emissions by 32 percent from its 2005 levels by 2030. JEA, which has for years touted its relatively new, $630 million coal-fired Northside Generating Station as a source of pride, says its compliance costs could top $1 billion.
› Puerto Ricans struggle moving to central Florida for new life
As Puerto Rico struggles with an unpayable debt, an unemployment rate over 12 percent, rising violence and a stagnant economy that offers little opportunity to thrive, thousands of its residents are abandoning the island for central Florida, a longtime refuge for Puerto Ricans.
› As sports tourism grows, where will visitors stay?
Tourism is on the up-and-up in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The burgeoning sports scene here is a part of that, and while the area is drawing more major sports competitions, whether Southwest Florida has room to accommodate sports visitors has increasingly become part of the conversation.
› Spying allegations a new headache for SeaWorld
Accusations of spying have put a new twist on the battle between SeaWorld Entertainment and animal-welfare activists, which experts say could cause more trouble for the theme park company.
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