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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida economy ends 2018 strong, is poised to outpace U.S. in 2019
The Florida economy ended the year on a high note and appears well positioned for more growth in 2019. That’s the opinion of economists at Wells Fargo Securities, who say the Sunshine State should continue to outperform the nation this year. Leading sectors for job growth statewide included education/heath care, construction, leisure/hospitality and professional and business services. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
See also:
» By the numbers: Florida ranked No. 4 in 2019 business climate index
Florida’s troubled prison system primed for reform
A coalition of advocates, ranging across the political spectrum, say Florida should join a number of states — and since last month, the federal government — in taking a fresh look at crime and punishment. “This is the one area of government that needs the most reform,” said Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, budget chairman over criminal and civil justice. More from the Gainesville Sun and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida CEOs’ 2019 economic forecast offers differing views
CEOs were asked: Consumer confidence is high, but there has been growing talk about economic instability. Compared with 2018, do you think 2019 will be stronger, weaker, or about the same? What leads you to this view? [Source: Miami Herald]
Fleets of automated cars may be coming to Florida roads with no human oversight
A new legislative bill aimed at preserving Florida’s status as a pioneering state for autonomous vehicle development would eliminate requirements that human operators always be on hand to take control of fully autonomous cars while in turn legalizing driverless vehicles fully run by software systems. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Hurricane Michael caused epic damage. Why has charitable response been so anemic?
Major donors simply aren’t coming through for Florida’s Forgotten Coast. According to a Herald/Times analysis of contributions to three prominent national charities, donations to Hurricane Michael recovery fall far below donations for recent landmark hurricanes to hit the South such as Florence, Irma and Harvey. [Source: Times/Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› NextEra Energy reports record profit for year
NextEra Energy churned out record profits in 2018. The Juno Beach-based company on Friday reported net income of $6.6 billion for the year, up from $5.3 billion in 2017. NextEra (NYSE: NEE), the parent of Florida Power & Light, is the most valuable utility company in the United States and the largest company headquartered in Palm Beach County.
› Florida posts 12th highest drop in food stamps participants
Florida ranked No. 12 among 49 states and U.S. territories that saw reductions in food stamps participation, according to the latest numbers compiled by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
› 'Tidying Up with Marie Kondo' craze has Orlando purging, thrift shops benefiting
Thanks in part to a new home-improvement TV show, donations bins at Goodwill of Central Florida are brimming with books, clothes and household goods. Officials with the charity say they’ve seen a 20 percent increase in donations this year compared with the first few weeks of 2018, bolstered not only by New Year’s resolutions but by the trendy Netflix reality show “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.”
› Florida city will no longer use prison labor
Gainesville city commissioners voted 5-1 on Thursday to terminate three contracts with the Florida Department of Corrections. Commissioner Gail Johnson says it's wrong to use prison crews as unpaid manual labor. She called ending the contracts "a moral issue."
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