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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Presidential Election
It’s President Trump, with a boost from Florida
Donald Trump shocked the political system with an extraordinary victory over Hillary Clinton to become the 45th president of the United States, harnessing the economic and societal anxieties of white voters drawn to his anti-establishment message. Trump's Florida victory was built on dominance in the rural parts of Florida but also by remarkable strength in the coveted I-4 corridor — particularly in counties with the largest shares of white voters. Trump/Pence had 49.06% of the Florida vote; Clinton/Kaine received 47.79%. See the national/global political story from Reuters, here. Also read more at the Tampa Bay Times, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, and the AP.
Florida Congressional Results
Florida voters return Marco Rubio to the U.S. Senate
Marco Rubio is headed back to the U.S. Senate with his prospects of another run for president intact. The choice was between Incumbent Sen. Marco Rubio (R) or U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy (D). Also on the ballot were Iraq war veteran Paul Stanton (L), and nine independent and write-in candidates in the general election. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
U.S. House of Representatives
Voters selected 27 candidates to serve in the U.S. House, one from each of the state's 27 congressional districts, including Charlie Crist, who revived his political career Tuesday by winning a Pinellas County congressional seat that was held by Republicans for more than 60 years. Meet the new Florida Congressional delegation.
[Source: Florida Division of Elections]
Ballot Amendments
Florida overwhelmingly votes to legalize medical marijuana, dump solar amendment
Patients suffering from debilitating illnesses will soon have access to medical marijuana in Florida after voters approved Amendment 2 Tuesday. Voters, meanwhile, nixed a proposed solar amendment pushed by utilities companies but heavily opposed by the solar industry and alternative energy advocates.
| Florida Ballot Measure | For | Against | Passed? |
| Amendment 1 Energy Equipment that produces solar energy for personal use | 51% | 49% | No |
| Amendment 2 Marijuana Physician-prescribed marijuana | 71% | 29% | Yes |
| Amendment 3 Taxes Property tax exemptions for first responders | 84% | 16% | Yes |
| Amendment 5 Taxes Property tax breaks for senior citizens | 78% | 22% | Yes |
More from the Orlando Sentinel, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and the Tampa Bay Times.
Judicial
Voters retain appeals judges and Florida Supreme Court justices
Three justices from the Florida Supreme Court facing merit retention this election will remain on the bench, voters decided Tuesday. Supreme Court justices retained are Justice Charles T. Canady, Justice Jorge Labarga and Justice Ricky L. Polston. See the list of justices retained at the District Court of Appeals, here. Also see election results for Circuit Court Judges, here. More news at the Naples Daily News, the Tampa Bay Times, and the AP.
State Legislature Results
GOP keeps grip on Florida Legislature
After a tight election that saw Democrats claim several victories up and down the ballot, Republicans still maintained their majorities in both the state House and state Senate. The victories ensure State Sen. Joe Negron will be the next Senate president and Rep. Richard Corcoran will be the next House speaker. Read more from the AP and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Find more election results for your Florida community from the Florida Division of Elections.
› Enrollment period underway for Florida Prepaid College Board plans
Economical, prepaid educational plans are now available for selection by Florida families during the 2016-17 open enrollment season for the Florida Prepaid College Board's prepaid tuition plans and prepaid dormitory plans.
› Fort Lauderdale-based Patriot National rejects $475 million takeover bid
Patriot National, a Fort Lauderdale-based provider of technology and outsourcing services for insurance companies, employers and other clients, said Tuesday it has rejected a $475 million takeover bid from Ebix Inc.
› Sarasota's CareerEdge lauded in national study
CareerEdge Funders Collaborative was lauded in a recent International Economic Development Council report on the changing landscape of workforce "learning systems."
› Firm that protects the wealthy’s stuff covets Florida
Nebco Insurance Services, which caters to high-net-worth individuals, has opened an office in Naples — the first location for the firm outside its Greenwich, Conn. headquarters.
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