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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Why Florida is losing its grip on retirees
Are retirees looking for their dream home in all the wrong places? Florida, which helped popularize the notion of a snowbird retirement, has the most residents age 65-plus. Yet it now ranks near the bottom of a new list of states deemed most desirable for folks contemplating retirement. [Source: Money]
See also:
» Retirement impossible for many
Florida Trend Exclusive
Economic Yearbook 2016: Changing downtowns
Downtown Orlando
In Florida, a healthy downtown has become a key indicator of civic vitality. As more residents flock to walkable live/work/play city center and retailers, restaurateurs and companies will follow suit. Orlando has $2.2 billion worth of public and private infrastructure and construction projects. More than 30 projects are under construction or planned for downtown Sarasota, representing more than $692 million. Access full story here.
See also:
» Florida Trend publisher's column: Downtowns rising
Consumer Debt Highest Since '08 Recession
Whether you “owe your soul to the company store” or you’re in the hole after following your dream of launching a fashion line - Americans are swimming in debt. A CardHub study says the average household with credit card debt now owes more than $7800 - the highest amount since the Great Recession. [Source: FOX Business]
Commercial drone rules under examination
A government-sponsored committee is recommending standards that could clear the way for commercial drone flights over populated areas and help speed the introduction of package delivery drones and other uses not yet possible. [Source: AP]
Flood insurance rates increase
Flood insurance rates increased for all policyholders Friday as the National Flood Insurance Program continues to dig itself out of $24 billion in debt incurred in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Sandy and other recent emergencies. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
› Banks consolidate even as most perform better
The sign changers will stay busy at Florida banks this year. Six lenders with operations in Southwest Florida have changed hands in the past year; another deal is scheduled to close soon.
› South Florida homebuyers enjoying more leverage as market softens
If you've been waiting to buy a house, you might have more negotiating power now than you've had in a while. Even though prices keep rising, buyers are becoming more discriminating and less likely to overpay or kowtow to sellers' demands, real estate agents say.
› Florida regulators OK Anthem-Cigna insurance deal
State insurance regulators have approved Anthem’s purchase of Cigna’s Florida companies as part of a broader merger of the major health insurers.
› Building a town around baseball
Local officials hope a proposed new spring training complex for the Atlanta Braves could become the area's crown jewel, catalyzing development at the heart of the biggest city in Sarasota County after nearly a decade of planning.
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