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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Another backroom deal stokes distrust in Florida's Legislature
Another backroom deal, this time involving the governor who has blasted the Legislature for secrecy, is leaving a trail of frustration and distrust in the state capital as elected lawmakers are being called back for a special session this week to rubber stamp a budget they were excluded from negotiating. The secret deal, negotiated between Florida Gov. Rick Scott and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, was then presented to Senate President Joe Negron. The deal did not violate the state's Sunshine Law, the leaders said, because none of them were together in the same room when it was worked out. [Source: Times/Herald]
Your turn:
» Does it bother you that Florida's Governor, House Speaker and the Senate President arrived at a state budget in secret? (quick poll)
Earlier:
» Gov. Scott's statement on the special session, which will begin June 7.
Soaking storms to ease drought across Florida this week
With over 70 percent of Florida suffering at least moderate drought conditions, the prolonged wet weather pattern will be welcomed by many. The warm and humid climate of Florida usually allows for frequent showers and storms, but they haven’t been materializing in full force this season. [Source: Accuweather]
Medical marijuana left out of special session
House and Senate leaders remained hopeful that they could strike a deal on the framework for carrying out a voter-approved constitutional amendment that broadly legalizing medical marijuana. But if they don’t reach agreement before the special session ends, the Legislature is unlikely to take up the issue later this summer. [Source: WLRN]
Airlines and cruise lines could lose billions if Cuba policy is reversed
Cruise lines and airlines stand to lose $3.5 billion and more than 10,000 jobs over the course of President Donald Trump’s four-year term if the administration fully rolls back all of the United States’ Cuba regulations, according to a report by nonprofit Engage Cuba. [Source: Miami Herald]
Amazon could reel in big tax breaks for new Florida warehouse
Amazon has been granted almost $48 million in state, county and city financial incentives to build its network of rapid-delivery warehouses in Florida, and it is now targeting the Orlando area for a new facility. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
› How schools, trains and concerts are building up Miami’s neighborhoods
School’s out for summer at the Downtown Doral Charter Elementary, and its report card is packed with A’s. In only its second year of operation, the school is already topping county-wide honor rolls — and helping to fuel Doral’s thriving real estate market.
Jan and Jim Moran [Photo: FSU Archives]
› $100 Million Jim Moran gift comes to life at FSU
A year and a half after Jan Moran and The Jim Moran Foundation donated a record $100 million to Florida State University, the support already is transforming the university and creating opportunities for students and business owners for generations to come, administrators say.
› FTC shuts down Boca Raton-based student loan relief operation
Boca Raton-based student loan relief operation promised to shorten loan terms and reduce monthly payments, then took borrowers’ money and let them fall deeper into debt, the Federal Trade Commission charged in a lawsuit. See the full news release about this operation from the FTC, here.
› New businesses opening at staggering rate in Lake County
New businesses continue popping up all over Lake County. Robert Chandler, Lake County’s director of Economic Development, said the number of businesses looking to move or that have recently moved into Lake County has increased 100 percent in just one year.
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