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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida insurers want to hike Obamacare rates, and they may go even higher
Florida health insurers are seeking double-digit rate hikes for 2018 Affordable Care Act coverage, but this week state regulators asked insurers to submit backup plans to raise premiums even higher next year because of uncertainty surrounding the future funding of subsidies. [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida Trend Exclusive
An ax to grind with state colleges
In mid-March, the Aspen Institute announced the latest winners of its biennial Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and, once again, the Florida College System was well-represented. Two months later, Florida lawmakers dropped a legislative ax on the system. Cuts and changes to the college system were muscled through the Legislature largely by one person: Senate President Joe Negron. Access full story.
Is development draining the Florida aquifer system?
The economic benefits of development and the preservation of natural resources are continually being weighed against each other. In a state like Florida, this conversation is often a protracted — even heated — one because so much of the state’s tourism industry is reliant on keeping its beaches, parks and hot springs as pristine as possible. [Source: Construction Dive]
Lack of residency slots in Florida leaves some doctors without licenses
Florida hospitals have increased the number of residency slots by 19 percent since 2013. But the state will have to do more to overcome a projected shortage of about 7,000 doctors by 2025, medical officials say. [Source: WLRN]
Commentary: Florida has struggled developing a middle class
Southern states like Florida and Georgia run the risk of falling behind. Outside of oil-rich Texas and Louisiana, the Southeast has the lowest percentage of good jobs. Poorly funded public schools turn out students unlikely to succeed in associate degree programs. [Source: Walton Sun]
› AutoNation profits miss estimates in second quarter, lower Florida sales a factor
AutoNation saw 3 percent lower vehicle sales from April-June, and weaker Florida sales were one factor, the company said Wednesday. That’s because Florida and Texas make up 45 percent of Fort Lauderdale-based AutoNation’s business.
› EA Sports to feature WNBA players for 1st time
Women’s basketball will be featured in a video game for the first time this fall, when Electronic Arts includes WNBA players in NBA Live ’18. NBA Live, which is built in Maitland, has been released every year since 1994 but this will mark the first time the game includes the WNBA. Also read more in the company press release.
› Gulf Coast port explores doing business in Central Florida
Consultants from the International Trade Hub at Port Manatee recently met with business leaders in Ocala to explore establishing commercial ties between Central Florida and the port, 120 miles away.
› Florida Orchestra lands rock star Sting for its 50th anniversary gala
The Florida Orchestra will celebrate its 50th anniversary fundraising gala with Sting, one of popular music's biggest icons, the orchestra announced Thursday.
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