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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Gov. Scott, Speaker Corcoran face off over tourism funding
A feud between Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott and GOP House Speaker Richard Corcoran over government spending is quickly escalating. Scott lashed out Tuesday at the House leader, saying he and other House Republicans know nothing about having to struggle for a job or how to run a business. More from the AP, the Times/Herald, the Ledger, and FOX 35.
See also:
» Another day, another ding for Florida’s economic incentive programs
» Blindsided by campaign to kill job incentives, Tampa Bay economic developers fighting back
» Tourism mounts a show of force to fight 'Corcoran's AFP shills'
Judges question parent positions in challenge to Florida's third-grade retention law
After months of silence, a legal challenge to Florida's third-grade retention law — a keystone in the state's test-driven education system — resurfaced Tuesday in state appellate court. Parents who brought the suit aim to prevent their children from repeating third grade because they refused to complete a state reading test, and argued state law didn't actually require a passing test score. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Valentines Day spending to decline slightly in Florida, after a decade of record-setting increases
The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating its 80th year in supporting Florida’s retail industry, says Floridians will decrease their Valentine’s Day spending slightly this year, which reverses a decade-long trend of increasing spending. See the study from the FRF, here.
Your turn:
» What's your favorite thing to give -- or receive -- on Valentines Day? (quick poll)
Multimillionare Gladesman 'Alligator Ron' Bergeron mulling governor campaign
[Photo of 'Alligator' Ron Bergeron by Brian Smith]
One of the more colorful business leaders in Florida, "Alligator Ron" Bergeron, says he is considering -- "reasonably seriously" -- running for governor in 2018. A Republican who describes himself as a "moderate conservative," Bergeron says private sector experience is critical in government. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Related Florida Trend Content
» ‘Alligator' Ron Bergeron is a Florida Icon
Florida franchise owners could benefit from state proposal
Restrictions on selling or transferring stores without the approval of national chains would be lifted for owners of franchise businesses in Florida, under a measure that drew quick opposition after being filed Tuesday. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
› How an Orlando teacher shortage could hurt the local economy
The demand for teachers in Orange County is growing — and the region is having trouble keeping up. Florida universities graduate about 5,000 teachers each year, but there's a need for closer to 15,000.
› Florida Governor gives Young Entrepreneur Award to Panama City business owner
The owner of a Panama City car business has received a big award from Florida Governor Rick Scott. Tyler Montgomery, 25, was given the Young Entrepreneur Award by the Governor during a Florida Cabinet meeting Tuesday in Tallahassee.
Make sure your personnel promotions, board appointments and civic accomplishments get the coverage they deserve with a listing in Florida Trend’s new weekly Movers & Influencers eNewsletter. .Learn More HERE!
› FPL customers to be billed for Hurricane Matthew costs starting in March
Florida Power & Light Co, customers will begin paying for $318.5 million in Hurricane Matthew restoration costs starting with their March bill. Customers will pay the storm fee through February 2018.
› Central Florida tech firm to launch new incubator for young companies
Although Orlando is home to multiple business incubators, which essentially teach new entrepreneurs how to run a business, a local company says there is room for one more.
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