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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Legal issues to watch in Florida: Water war, free speech, medical pot
From the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington to a Tallahassee courthouse, Florida’s high-profile legal battles in 2018 will focus on issues ranging from a water war to medical marijuana. It’s impossible to foresee all the major legal disputes that will play out in 2018. But here are five to watch. [Source: Gainesville Sun]
Florida Trend Spotlight
Jacksonville / Northeast Florida
Take a good look around Jacksonville and the rest of Northeast Florida. Close your eyes and commit those images to memory. When you open them again, you may not recognize what you see. The seven counties of Northeast Florida are embarking on a transformational period, with a number of projects that are changing the face of the region. These include mixed-use communities and economic development initiatives that will change how residents live, work and play. Full report here, or use the links below to jump to profiles of each county. [Sponsored Section]
County profiles:
Baker County | Clay County | Duval County | Flagler County | Nassau County | Putnam County | St. Johns County
"Climate gentrification" could add value to elevation in Florida real estate
Homes at higher elevations in Florida are gaining value at a faster clip than those closer to sea level. It's an accelerating trend, and it has residents and real estate agents -- in Miami and other coastal communities -- asking whether "climate gentrification" has arrived. More from CBS News and Bisnow.
Your turn:
» Is your Florida property at a good elevation? (quick poll)
Florida's biggest consumer gripes of 2017: Telemarketers, landlords
Telemarketers and robocallers were Floridians biggest consumer gripes of 2017, at least according to calls and emails to the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Consumers complaining about violations of the National Do Not Call Registry were the top complaint for the second year in a row. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Floridians may get nostalgic for lower gas prices this year
Those days of cheap gas in Florida may be in the rearview mirror and experts say this is just the beginning for pain at the pump in 2018. Higher energy prices will likely drive gas up to $2.51 per gallon on average — 12 cents more than last year, according to the Energy Information Administration. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tampa Bay Area firm rolls into Vegas for expansion
DAS Health, a fast-growing health care IT management firm, has acquired Las Vegas-based Integra I.T. Solutions. The acquisition — DAS Health’s fifth in less than three years — broadens the firm’s electronic health record services and technology offerings, while enhancing customer support and care.
› Manatee firm in $500 million international merger
In one of the largest transactions in recent memory for a Southwest Florida company, Manatee County’s Star2Star Communications has merged in a $500 million deal with an Irish company that also provides internet-protocol communications systems to businesses.
› Scripps Florida spins off muscular dystrophy drug company
Jupiter-based research institute Scripps Florida is spinning off a company, Expansion Therapeutics, which on Wednesday announced it has raised $55.3 million in financing.
› MacDill considering changes to its ban on recreational drones
Recreational drones are becoming more popular every day and with that in mind, officials at MacDill Air Force Base are looking into whether to end a base-wide ban on the unmanned aircraft.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
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