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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida workers' compensation rate cut eyed
Fewer workers are filing workers' compensation claims, helping lower the costs Florida employers will pay for insurance next year. How big of a reduction in rates will be decided by Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier, who held a rate hearing Wednesday in Tallahassee. More from WJXT and Florida Politics.
See also:
» NCCI recommends decrease to Florida workers' compensation rates
Florida officials travel to Cuba despite attacks that sickened U.S. diplomats
Delegations from St. Petersburg and Tampa were in Havana Wednesday to discuss the U.S. embargo and President Donald Trump's new U.S.-Cuba policy. Supporters of the U.S. embargo, who opposed President Barack Obama's policy of re-engagement, believe the policy is designed to punish the Cuban government for violations of human rights. [Source: WPLG]
Your turn:
» Are the mysterious attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Havana deterring you from visiting Cuba? (quick poll)
Lowe's hiring 3,000 people in Florida
Lowe's is looking to hire more than 3,000 employees in Florida as part of the retail chain's plan to help communities bounce back from Irma. The full- and part-time positions include cashiers, loaders, stockers, customer service, delivery drivers and sales specialists. [Source: WJXT]
Florida congressmen hope to arm more veterans with tools for getting job-ready
U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (R-Fla.) and U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (D-Fla.) are working together on the Veterans Armed for Success Act that if approved would create a $5 million federal grant match for organizations helping veterans transition into the civilian work force. [Source: WJAX]
Prosecuting human trafficking in Florida
In 2016, the National Human Trafficking Hotline fielded 550 case calls from Florida, up from 412 cases in 2015. Since 2007, the hotline has received more than 2,300 reports from Florida according to Polaris, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that monitors and fights human trafficking. “Many of these [victims] are 13- and 14-year-olds; some are illegal aliens that come here for refuge and they’re being trafficked,” said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. “And they’re scared to report it, they have nowhere to go. A lot of them are runaways; kids that have been bounced from foster home to foster home. And do you know where a lot of them want to go? Florida.” Story from WUWF, here.
› SeaWorld cuts 350 positions across company
The company is laying off people and not refilling open positions across the company although the cuts primarily affect its corporate headquarters and the parks in Orlando and San Diego.
› Gainesville selects Baltimore developer for Power District
Gainesville city commissioners, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency board, voted Monday to approve Baltimore, Maryland-based Cross Street Partners as developer for the city's Power District.
› Miami-based Misha's Cupcakes named best in Florida
A few years ago, cupcakes were all the rage. Their star power may have dimmed slightly, but these tiny treats still hold a sweet spot in our hearts.
› Florida eyes lawsuit against Valeant Pharmaceuticals
In a rare move, Florida is considering taking on a large pharmaceutical company, alleging the state's pension fund lost some $127 million in stock value because of federal security violations by the company.
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