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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Revenue growth for Florida law firms below national average
Average revenue at Florida law firms grew less than the national average in the first nine months of 2017, according to third-quarter reports from Wells Fargo. The Wells Fargo report included data from 135 firms across the country and found that revenue at Florida firms grew 2.8 percent in the first three quarters of the year, lagging behind the national average of 3.7 percent. [Source: Daily Business Review]
Amid surge of retail closures, Florida thrift stores aren't exempt
The Hope for North Brevard Thrift Store is just one example of a used retail market that is wavering in the midst of online shopping and big box closures. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the number of used merchandise stores abruptly dropped from 20,092 establishments in 2014 to 17,866 establishments in 2015. [Source: Florida Today]
Florida tourist-tax proposal for broader use of money gets committee OK
With the proposal drawing concerns from parts of the tourism industry, a Senate committee Tuesday approved a bill that could allow broader uses of tourist-development taxes. The Senate Community Affairs Committee approved the bill, despite concerns from parts of the tourism industry, including the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Another year of leadership for Nicklaus Children's Hospital
No other hospital in Florida has more ranked pediatric programs than Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. “Eight of our programs are in the top 50 nationwide,” says Michael Harrington, president and chief operating officer of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. “And we have several sub-specialties that were in the top 25.” [Sponsored Report]
Gulf of Mexico red snapper get traded like stocks. So just how big is the market?
For the next two years, a team of researchers studying red snapper — the sweet and nutty star of seafood menus that also happens to be at the center of a heated regulatory battle — will do the seemingly impossible: count the number of fish swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tourism leader to head Lee County economic development office
Pamela Johnson, formerly the deputy director of the county’s Visitor & Convention Bureau, has been named interim director of the Economic Development Office, taking the reins from John Boland, who led the office for nearly two years.
Members of the Florida Bar:
Today is the last day to vote!
› As Dreamers grow more anxious, little support comes from Florida Republicans
Calls is growing for a legislative solution for Dreamers but Florida Republicans are largely absent. Only two of Florida's 16 GOP House members — Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Carlos Curbelo — signed onto a letter sent today to House Speaker Paul Ryan calling for action before the end of the year.
› Driverless shuttle coming to Gainesville as part of the Smart City Initiative
The Gainesville Autonomous Transit Shuttle, or GAToRS, is the first of its kind in the country, and it is being introduced to Gainesville as part of the city’s initiative to begin Smart City policies.
› Tampa’s surviving cigar factories a link to Cigar City past
Take a drive today through parts of Historic Ybor or West Tampa, and you’d be excused for thinking they’re everywhere. About two dozen cigar factories, constructed of brick and typically three or four stories, seem to dot every street corner in spots.
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