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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Some foreign buyers raise concerns about real estate in Florida
Foreign buyers have helped hoist Florida’s real estate market into recovery at a slightly faster rate than domestic buyers. But vacation home buyers from other countries have become more cautious about spending time and money in Florida and the U.S. as a whole. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Gov. Scott names Carlos Beruff to chair the powerful Constitution Revision Commission
Gov. Rick Scott has named Sarasota businessman Carlos Beruff to be the chairman of the powerful Constitution Revision Commission, the 37-member commission that has the power to put proposals directly onto the 2018 ballot. News release here. Also read more at the Times/Herald and Florida Politics.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Community portrait of Polk County
As the business center of Polk County, Lakeland is sporting a rejuvenated downtown with new apartments and restaurants that appeal to younger residents. Lakeland is also home to Publix, Florida's largest private company. Also in this community portrait: industries, vital statistics, quality of life, key sectors, workforce and more. See the full portrait here.
Publix bags record profits for 2016; sales growth slows
Publix Supermarkets rang up a company record $2.03 billion in profits in 2016 and $34 billion in sales for the year. The Lakeland-based grocery store chain reported fourth quarter 2016 and full-year earnings Thursday, noting sales were up 3.1 percent for the year. Company statement is here; read more at the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida starts issuing medical marijuana ID cards
Florida health officials who oversee the medical marijuana program have started processing identification card applications for patients and caregivers. The cards, which are issued through the Office of Compassionate Use, are part of regulations passed by the Florida Legislature last year. [Source: Insurance Journal]
› Florida lobster season: Not as strong, not a disaster
One month remains in the regular lobster season but many of the traps put out by the Florida Keys commercial fleet are back on the hill — meaning pulled ashore until next summer.
› Resigning Miami US attorney joining Holland & Knight firm
Miami U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer is joining the Holland & Knight law firm after his resignation takes effect on Friday. The firm announced that Ferrer will lead its global compliance and investigations team, part of its white collar defense practice.
› SeaWorld posts $12 million loss amid attendance drop
The Orlando-based company lost $11.9 million in the last quarter of 2016, up from $11 million lost in the fourth quarter of 2015. Overall, fourth quarter attendance was down by about 30,000 visitors, or just under 1 percent. SeaWorld's financial statement is here.
› Florida among toughest states for first-time homebuyers
First-time homebuyers in Florida have among the most obstacles in the nation when it comes to bagging a property, according to a study by Bankrate.com.
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