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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
U.S. consumer, housing data underscore economy's resilience
U.S. consumer confidence improved in January despite a stock market rout and house prices accelerated in November, suggesting underlying strength in the economy despite a sharp growth slowdown in recent months. [Source: Reuters]
See also:
» U.S. home prices rise 5.8% in November, hit all-time highs in 4 cities
» It’s a seller’s market but are homes still affordable?
» Southwest Florida home prices spike
» Home prices rise in South Florida
Senate plan boosts schools spending by $143 million over Scott plan
Senate budget writers are considering a larger education spending increase than Gov. Rick Scott sought, though lawmakers are still considering how to offset an increase in local property taxes that helps pay for the historic number. More from the Palm Beach Post and the Tampa Bay Times.
Legislative Roundup:
» Legislators push for longer terms in Florida
» Bill would cut red tape for hospitalized students who want to keep up with schoolwork
» State employee pay raises get hearing
» Teachers are speaking out, but is the Legislature listening?
» Florida House panel backs mandatory school recess
El Niño adds to insurer warning on U.S.-leading Florida weather risks
Florida leads the nation in water-related car insurance claims from January to March, Farmers Insurance figures — and strange weather conditions only make the forecast worse. Florida — with its flat landscape, canals, and the nation’s most flood policies on properties — best be on alert the rest of this winter. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Obama administration loosens Cuba embargo with new measures
The Obama administration is loosening the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba with a new round of regulations allowing American companies to sell to Cuba on credit and export a limited number of products to the Cuban government, officials said Tuesday. [Source: Florida Politics]
Florida League of Cities drops opposition to fracking bill
The Florida League of Cities is dropping its opposition to a highly controversial fracking bill after Republican sponsors and their industry allies agreed to give local officials some say over where oil and gas drilling could occur. [Source: WFSU]
› Can Central Florida become medical tourism destination?
Attracting more medical tourists is the hope of local leaders and providers who gathered at Florida Hospital on Monday morning during a medical tourism town hall meeting held by the Florida Chamber Foundation.
› Miramar set to eliminate background checks in business applications
The Miramar commission will vote Wednesday night whether to eliminate a required criminal background check for business owners seeking to set up in the city.
› Illinois company moving to Palmetto
A company that provides prescription labels that gives print-impaired patients important prescription information is moving its administrative and sales functions to Palmetto.
› UCF pops with new restaurants aimed at millennials
The UCF neighborhood is becoming a hot spot for the fastest-growing part of the restaurant industry — fast casual restaurants.
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