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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Electronics retailer hhgregg closing 15 stores in Florida
Indianapolis-based hhgregg is closing 15 stores in Florida, and a total of 88 stores nationwide, as part of its "turnaround" efforts. See the list of hhgregg locations that are closing, here. "We are strategically exiting markets and stores that are not financially profitable for us," Robert J. Riesbeck, hhgregg's President and CEO, said in a statement. Three distribution and delivery centers, including one in Miami, will also close. [Source: WPTV]
Never-ending gambling debate could achieve a breakthrough this legislative session
There is promise of a breakthrough on whether to expand gambling this year in the Florida legislative session that begins tomorrow. "Inaction is not a choice," said Sen. Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) who is sponsoring a major gambling bill. Galvano and his fellow senators are advancing a proposal that would expand gambling far beyond its current locations. [Source: AP]
Legislators' grades to reveal record on open government
Legislators' decisions will face more scrutiny this spring, when a non-profit foundation will begin evaluating their support for government openness. Barbara Petersen, president of Florida's First Amendment Foundation, said the public doesn't understand how 1,119 exemptions to the state's Sunshine Law can affect them, and legislators aren't always aware of all the implications either as they vote. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Related:
» Florida reporters to see how lawmakers stand on open records
Judge to consider suit against Florida Lottery
Today, a Leon County judge will consider whether the Florida Lottery broke the law when it approved a contract worth over $700 million. House Speaker Richard Corcoran put forth the suit that claims the Lottery's contract with IGT Global Solutions to run lottery games is illegal because it exceeds the Florida Lottery’s authorized budget. [Source: AP]
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FAA reports 27 airspace violations near Trump's Florida estate
Federal officials say more than two dozen aircraft have violated airspace restrictions near President Trump’s estate in Florida. Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration reported 27 violations of the airspace restrictions near Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. In one instance, Air Force jets speeding to intercept an aircraft caused a sonic boom that rattled Palm Beach and Broward counties. [Source: CBS News]
Related:
» South Florida pilots learning that skies are less friendly during Trump visits
› Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville to open branded retirement community in Florida
Margaritaville Holdings has teamed up with real estate developer Minto Communities to start building Latitude Margaritaville, the first of multiple “active adult communities” branded with the Margaritaville name. The first Latitude Margaritaville location has already begun construction in Daytona Beach, Fla., and is expected to open in the fall 2017.
› South Florida could be screwworm-fly free by April
It’s been five months since the first case of New World screwworm in decades was confirmed in the Lower Keys. Now, after releasing nearly 124 million sterile screwworm flies to mate with wild flies, producing eggs that never hatch, the Keys and Homestead could be declared screwworm-fly-free as early as next month, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture liaison Rick Riesland.
› Florida's Turnpike closed for 7 hours over weekend as firefighters contained wildfire in Osceola County
A wildfire that caused an all-day closure on Saturday of Florida’s Turnpike in Osceola County has been contained. Smoke from the fire created problems for drivers near mile marker 225.
› Panama City beach businesses dealing with changes with spring break
A year after the area passed new laws during spring break, business owners in Panama City Beach say things just haven't been the same. Jack Bishop of Harpoon Harry's says business has slowed down since the start of the area's spring break laws banning alcohol on the beach.
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