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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
The big top comes down: Ringling Bros. circus is closing
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus made headlines this year when it retired the elephants, the star act for generations. Soon, the tigers will need new homes, too. The show's parent company, Ellenton-based Feld Entertainment, announced to circus crews Saturday night that this will be the last season for "The Greatest Show on Earth." See the news release from Feld here.
Animal trainer Taba Maluenda performs with tigers for Ringling Bros. Go to story.
Also read more at the Tampa Bay Times and the AP.
Related:
» In a city synonymous with the circus, shock and sorrow
» Ringling's evolution, from freak shows to the big top
» Q&A: What happens before Ringling Bros. circus closes in May?
» Quick poll: Will you miss not having the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on tour?
Consensus emerging on need to control higher education costs in Florida
The future could get a little brighter for some Florida college students. There’s a growing consensus to increase awards for some of the state’s highest academic performers. Legislative and state leaders seem to be in agreement when it comes to lowering the cost of higher ed. [Source: WLRN]
Tale of 2 parties: Florida GOP high, Dems low ahead of 2018
The state Republican and Democratic parties met two miles from each other Saturday, their first meetings since Donald Trump carried Florida in November's election, but the atmosphere and enthusiasm were worlds apart. [Source: AP]
Cuba sees explosion in internet access as ties with U.S. grow
While Cuba remains one of the world's least internet-connected societies, ordinary citizens' access to the internet has exploded over the last two years. Since the summer of 2015, the Cuban government has opened 240 public Wi-Fi spots in parks and on street corners across the country. [Source: NBC Miami]
Know where Obamacare repeal will be felt the most? Miami
Perhaps nowhere in America would so many people be as personally affected by the Republican-led repeal of Obamacare than Miami. Three congressional districts – all represented by Republicans – have among the highest number of Affordable Care Act enrollees in the country. From the Kaiser Family Foundation:
- The ten congressional districts with the highest number of Marketplace enrollees are all in Florida.
- 96,300 enrollees in Florida’s District 27 (Miami - Republican district)
- 94,100 enrollees in Florida’s District 10 (Orlando - Democratic district)
[Source: Miami Herald]
› Florida dispensaries aim to 'normalize' medical marijuana
More than 60 Florida communities have temporarily banned dispensaries, but others may soon welcome these potential big-revenue generators as state regulators dramatically expand access to the drug.
› Save-A-Lot carves niche serving Florida communities that Publix and others overlook
Save-A-Lot has operated supermarkets in Florida since the '80s, managing mostly to fly under the radar. But in recent years, the Missouri-based discount grocery chain known for its discount prices and private labels on staple items from milk to spaghetti, has moved into Florida in a big way.
› All Aboard’s Brightline train to begin tests on tracks this week
All Aboard Florida’s Brightline rail service will start testing its first passenger train this week along a 9-mile stretch of the Florida East Coast Railway tracks that runs from West Palm Beach to Lantana.
› Port Tampa Bay finds niche in growing cruise industry
The port is poised to serve 1 million cruise passengers for the first time this year, a sizeable feat considering the height limitations of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and competition from larger, more active cruise ports better positioned around Florida.
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