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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Gov. Rick Scott signs tax cut bill into law
Today, Gov. Rick Scott signed HB 7109, which cuts taxes by $180 million for Florida families and businesses. The centerpiece of the tax cut plan is a $61 million reduction aimed at businesses. Florida charges businesses a 6 percent tax when they rent space. Under the tax cut plan Scott signed Thursday, that will drop to 5.8 percent. Scott had asked the Legislature for a bill that would cut the tax by 25 percent. See the breakdown of the tax cuts in Gov. Scott's statement, here. Also read more at the Tampa Bay Times.
Earlier, from Florida TaxWatch
» Business rent tax: Now is the time to begin eliminating a clear competitive disadvantage for Florida businesses
Florida cities among nation's fastest-growing
Two southwest Florida cities were among the nation's fastest-growing last year. The U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday said Bonita Springs and Fort Myers respectively had the 8th and 15th fastest growth rates in the nation. More from the AP.
For many, Tampa’s 2021 Super Bowl is unexpected ‘big win.’ Others remain skeptical.
Members of Tampa’s political, business, media and activist communities weighed in on the surprising news that Tampa will host the 2021 Super Bowl. The announcement was unexpected, particularly after the NFL snubbed a local bid last year to host the big game. More from Florida Politics.
Punta Gorda Airport releases economic impact study findings
A new economic impact study values Punta Gorda Airport’s local economic impact at $208.3 million within Charlotte County, and a regional economic impact of $353.2 million. More from Florida Weekly.
Jacksonville gets $17.5 million from feds for river dredge
The federal government will contribute $17.5 million in this year’s Army Corps of Engineers budget for dredging Jacksonville’s ship channel, marking Washington’s first commitment for the deepening. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Legal Trends
Florida state courts lead the nation in social media
Long seen as the quietest branch of state government, Florida’s state courts have emerged in the last year as a national leader in social media use – particularly Twitter.
» More from Capital Soup.
Best Beach in America
Siesta Beach tops Dr. Beach's rankings
Three beaches in Florida made it on a highly coveted list of the top 10 in America this year, ranked by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. "Dr. Beach." Siesta Beach in Sarasota took the No. 1 spot while Caladesi Island State Park in Pinellas County landed at No. 7. Grayton Beach State Park in the Panhandle came in at No 4.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
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