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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today.
Business profits can be taxing
As the April 17 tax deadline approaches, small businesses may be learning that the welcome gains in economic activity through the end of 2011 have complicated their tax returns and planning strategies just bit. Turning more of a profit means Florida business owners may owe more than they expected. While they figure out how to pay the extra, they also might have to take steps to avoid getting surprised again next year. [Source: Fort Myers News-Press]
2012 Economic Yearbook:
Southeast Florida Economic Indicators
Construction remains stagnant, but the region is getting a boost from manufacturing, bioscience and higher ed.
 Several big transportation projects are under way in Broward, including a $791-million runway expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. [Photo: Bill Cobb/SuperStock] |
AirTran is top U.S. carrier, annual airline rating says
AirTran is the nation's top airline in terms of customer service and reliability, according to the 2011 Airline Quality Rating (AQR) report, an annual ranking conducted jointly by researchers at Purdue University and Wichita State University. The survey rates the airlines based on four objective measures: lost baggage, on-time performance, poor service and "bumping" fliers from oversold flights. [Source: USA Today]
Florida GOP fundraisers locked in business dispute
It's a legal battle between two titans in Florida Republican fundraising circles, and tens of millions of dollars are at stake: Zach Zachariah, a Broward County cardiologist who has raised millions of dollars for GOP candidates, versus A.K. Desai, a St. Petersburg insurance executive and the Florida Republican Party's new finance chairman. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Miami-Dade commissioners to consider lifting ban on new cities
Miami-Dade commissioners could lift a ban on Tuesday that for nearly five years has prohibited neighborhoods eager to break away from the county from becoming independent cities.
A simple majority vote could revive the stalled efforts of five communities that want government more accountable and a little closer to home. The move could also prompt other clusters of the county to consider exploring cityhood — and eventually reshape Miami-Dade government.
[Source: Miami Herald
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› New study shows Sarasota-area recovery strong
A Washington, D.C.-based think tank named the Sarasota region among the 40 strongest areas nationwide for economic performance.
› Two South Florida fast-food stops offer beer with their tater tots
The temptation that is fast-food dining has always been a slippery slope. Give in to your burger craving, and it gets pretty hard to turn down some added fries. But what if things could get even more sinful?
As in, instead of that plain ol’ Coke: “would you like a beer with that?”
That’s the question that fast-food joints are increasingly posing to customers, both in South Florida and around the nation.
› Raymond James closes on acquisition of Morgan Keegan
Raymond James Financial on Monday said it has completed its $1.2 billion acquisition of Morgan Keegan, making the St. Petersburg company one of the country's largest wealth management and capital markets firms not headquartered on Wall Street.
› Jacksonville mayor hiring sports and entertainment team
NBA Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore and Jacksonville University's athletic director will join Mayor Alvin Brown's administration as part of his focus on sports and entertainment.
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