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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Sun, sand, theme parks bring record number of tourists to Florida
The number of tourists flocking to Florida keeps growing to record numbers, with preliminary estimates showing that 105 million tourists made their way to Florida last year. That beats the previous high of 98.5 million. [Source: AP]
UPDATE:
» It's official: Florida had a record 105 million tourists in 2015, up 6.6 percent over 2014.
» Florida leaders react to the record 105 million tourists in 2015
See also:
» Are we underprepared for growth?
» Zika no deterrent for foreign travel yet, finds US survey
» Tourism in the Caribbean jumped 7% in 2015 but Zika likely to kill the growth
Over 1 million face loss of food aid over work requirements
An Associated Press analysis of food aid figures shows that nearly 1.1 million adults stand to lose their benefits in those 21 states if they do not get a job or an exemption. That includes about 300,000 in Florida. [Source: AP]
Zika-wary tourists calling new Florida hotline on virus
Florida's new Zika hotline is getting dozens of calls, including from out-of-state tourists concerned about visiting a state where mosquitoes are common, according to the Florida Department of Health. [Source: TCPalm]
There's no such thing as stress -- here's what's really bothering you
It's been estimated that U.S. employers lose hundreds of billions of dollars each year thanks to absenteeism, lowered productivity, staff turnover, workers' compensation, medical insurance, and other stress-related expenses. [Source: Fast Company]
States targeting snowbirds fleeing to tax-friendlier climates
Retirees who buy second homes in states with low or no income tax and claim they've changed their legal residence can face months of intense scrutiny from state tax auditors -- perhaps even litigation. [Source: Kiplinger]
› Jacksonville ranks high in housing affordability
New communities throughout Northeast Florida draw families, professionals and retirees. Existing communities and historic districts are attracting a new audience with renovations and infill construction. It all points to a steady comeback from the economic downturn that slowed growth for a few years.
› New Port Canaveral CEO: I'll improve community relations
Port Canaveral's new chief executive officer promised to improve relations with the community and improve communications among his departments, saying they will be among his top priorities.
› PGT closes $102 million deal for Orlando company
This is the second recent acquisition for Venice-based PGT, which last year bought CGI Windows & Doors Holdings Inc., a Miami company that also makes storm-resistant products, for $111 million.
› Embry-Riddle offers free space-related cyber classes
If you want to take some space classes, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has some free online courses for you. The school announced Tuesday that it would offer four free classes that are open to the public.
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