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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today.
Florida banks getting healthier and healthier
Is it finally safe for Florida bankers to crawl out of their vaults? Evidence is mounting that banks statewide are not only past the recessionary blues, but more are starting to enjoy a new era of prosperity. Profits are up sharply, the number of problem banks has shriveled and Florida is far removed from its darkest days just two years ago when it led the country with 29 bank failures. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
The $325-Million Billing War
For 40 years, hospitals and nursing homes that care for Medicaid patients have submitted bills to the state, which pays them and then bills a portion of the expenses to the counties where patients reside. Until 2008, the system worked pretty well. But counties say the new accounting system produced numerous inaccuracies. Full story...
 The Florida Association of Counties put together a video urging Gov. Scott to veto changes to how counties are billed. He signed the bill into law. Now the two sides are fighting it out in court. |
Florida's technology agency caught in political crossfire
History is repeating itself in Florida. For the second time in seven years, the organization in charge of the state’s information technology has been de-funded because of a spat between the governor and the Legislature. The Florida Agency for Enterprise Information Technology (AEIT) has been decommissioned because it has no budget appropriation for the new fiscal year beginning in July. [Source: Government Technology]
Is organic worth the extra green?
Organic food is blossoming business. According to the Organic Trade Association, sales of organic foods in this country amounted to about $26.7 billion in 2010; they were $1 billion 20 years earlier. About 75 percent of grocery stores carry organic foods, as do about 20,000 natural food stores. Demand outpaces supply. [Source: Florida Today]
Jackson Health System chairman: Hospitals must change to turn around insolvency
Despite three straight months of financial surpluses, Chairman Marcos Lapciuc said Thursday that the Jackson Health System remains technically insolvent and needs bold moves to turn itself around.
Speaking to the board in advance of a strategic planning retreat scheduled for next Friday, Lapciuc suggested one move could be asking for a $200-plus million bond issue next year to provide money needed to improve the equipment and appearance of aging facilities.
[Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› With help from Bacardi, fireworks return to Biltmore in Coral Gables
Bacardi donated $50,000 while other local companies donated in-kind goods and services to bring back the Coral Gables July 4 fireworks show at the Biltmore Hotel.
› Economic indicators show First Coast bolstering economic recovery
Leading economic indicators and consumer price index figures released this week show the North Florida economy continuing a steady recovery from years of bleak figures.
› Hollywood cops, firefighters to appear as 'Burn Notice' extras
After Friday's all-day "Burn Notice" shoot, about 30 city firefighters and police officers will be able to add acting credentials to their resumes.
The off-duty first-responders will star as extras in an upcoming episode of USA Network's top-rated South Florida spy series.
› New Miami-Orlando rail link stokes fire
Coral Gables-based Florida East Coast Industries Inc. is proposing the privately-funded, privately-owned 240-mile rail line as a transportation alternative for moving residents and tourists between South Florida and Central Florida.
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