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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Shortcut to the American Dream
The United States was built on the foundation of immigrants seeking a better future. But entry is now being sold for a $500,000 cover charge each year to thousands of wealthy foreigners, who have been able to jump to the front of the line. As talk of immigration reform roils the presidential election, the federal government’s EB-5 program has exploded — but with little regulatory oversight.[Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
See also:
» New wave of Cuban immigrants reaches U.S., but through Texas, not Florida
Unemployment is getting better, but many still feel we're in a recession
The economic narrative in November was more or less the same as it has been for the past several months: The United States added hundreds of thousands of jobs. Unemployment is at a relatively low 5 percent. So why do so many people still feel like we're in a recession? [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Retirement enclaves in Florida
Iggy and Rani Ignatius operates a community for Indian immigrants in Tavares. [Photo: Norma Lopez Molina]
Around Florida, some retiree communities are giving new meaning to the word ‘niche.’ From a union-built enclave of retired letters carriers in Polk County to a haven for car buffs and RVers in Marion County, retirement communities are attracting residents who want to be with like-minded people. Access full story.
Analyzing the Governor’s budget and tax recommendations
Florida TaxWatch’s latest Budget Watch Report analyzes the numbers behind the Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2016-17. T The Budget Watch Report also takes a more in-depth look at the Governor’s budget priorities as it relates to education, health & human services, criminal justice, environment, economic development and transportation. Full report from Florida TaxWatch, here.
Jesse Panuccio, Gov. Rick Scott's jobs chief, resigns as agency head
Gov. Rick Scott's trusted jobs chief is stepping down. His resignation from the $141,000-a-year state job comes as he faces a confirmation vote in the Florida Senate, where support has been running thin. More from the Tampa Bay Times, Florida Politics and WMFE.
› About 5,200 Florida teachers to receive bonuses based on test scores
About 5,200 Florida teaches will receive bonuses as part of a program that rewards instructors based on how they scored on college admissions exams.
› Holiday-light installers deck the halls, rake in cash
Professional light installers say their industry is flourishing as home and business owners seek to impress the neighbors without the effort and danger of decorating themselves.
› Can University of Florida researchers save the state's strawberry farmers?
For decades, when winter rolled around, Florida strawberries reigned supreme. But that was before Mexico surged onto the market. Strawberries grow well there this time of year, and farmers there have quickly chipped away at Florida's wintertime advantage.
› Supreme Court ruling looms over Florida’s death-penalty system
Having endured withering criticism from state courts for a botched redrawing of political boundaries, lawmakers now await a verdict from the U.S. Supreme Court over the state’s death penalty, which is facing its most significant legal challenge.
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