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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
One year from 2018 primary, Florida Senate race a dead heat
A poll from the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative found that Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican Rick Scott are running neck and neck for Florida's U.S. Senate seat in 2018. Half of Florida Democrats and Republicans don't know who they want as their party's nominees for governor in 2018. See the findings from FAU's poll, here. Also read more at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Florida Politics.
See also:
» Four signs that Richard Corcoran is running for Florida governor
Florida Trend Exclusive
Wages in Florida are stuck
With the unemployment rate low enough that economists talk of full employment, the question nationally and in Florida is why wages haven’t soared as demand for labor increases and the supply shrinks. One research firm found real wages in Florida rose by only 1%. The Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida finds that average annual wages, adjusted for inflation, were stagnant across the state from 2005-14. Full story from Florida Trend, here.
Florida Retirement System’s 13.8% return tops benchmark
The $153.6 billion Florida Retirement System Pension Plan reported a 13.77% return on investments for the year ending on June 30, surpassing its benchmark of 12.96%, and easily beating last year’s return of 0.54%. Ash Williams, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer for the State Board of Administration, attributed the long-term performance to “prudence, patience, and diversification.” Williams also said:
“We are always pleased to post double digit returns, and this year is no exception. However, as always our focus has always been on the long-term sustainability of the plan, and we must acknowledge current dynamics in the financial markets moderating projected future returns.”
See the pension plan's performance report here. Also read more from Chief Investment Officer and Pensions & Investments.
Opinion: Florida construction industry would benefit from rebuilt immigration policy
Much of the opinions on the subject of immigration focus on the human element, but what does it mean for Florida’s economy and commercial construction? Florida’s construction economy is surging — but the one factor holding it back is a lack of skilled labor. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
More Florida growers given green light to cultivate medicinal cannabis
t’s been nearly two years since five Florida farming operations were announced as the lucky recipients of exclusive state licenses to grow, process, and dispense medicinal cannabis, each meeting strict criteria just to qualify for the opportunity. Read the full story from Growing Produce, here.
› Family run Nokomis RV manufacturer paves own way to success
Within minutes of meeting Steve Gerzeny, vice president of a local motor home manufacturer, he wants to make one thing clear: Coach House is unique. Coach House has grown significantly from its beginnings as a van conversion business.
› Satellite Beach's Scotty Culp named to Florida Women's Hall of Fame
Kathleen “Scotty” Culp was long nicknamed "The First Lady of Satellite Beach." Now, the late patriotic volunteer has earned a spot in the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame.
› Spirit Airlines is first carrier to add American-made Airbus A320 to its fleet
NK650 is the second milestone aircraft delivery for Spirit in less than a year. In October, the Miramar-based carrier was the first U.S. airline to take delivery of an Airbus A320neo aircraft outfitted with an engine that uses less fuel, runs quieter and produces fewer emissions.
› Tampa's LM Funding America continues to struggle
Less than two years after it went public, LM Funding America, Inc. says it might not be able to say in business unless it can refinance its debt by year's end.
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