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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today.
Biorhythms: The state of biotech in Florida
From startups to success stories to stumbling blocks, here is the latest on the state of biotech in Florida:
 Randy Scott offers tips for biotech entrepreneurs looking for startup financing. [Photo: Jon M. Fletcher] |
» Florida Bio-Success Stories:
» Biomass Energy is fueling a backlash:
» Biofuel Projects -- Barely a Pulse:
» Financial Lifeline for Biotech Companies in Florida:
» Florida research institutes are power players in biotech:
Hospitals compete for the well-off with fancy amenities
Patients who want to be pampered can order an upscale suite at a South Florida hospital, spending as much as $800 a night as they heal in luxury. Designer linens, fine china, flat-screen televisions, extra beds and meals for guests: these are some of the perks available in South Florida's deluxe hospital accommodations, at rates ranging from $150 to $800 a night on top of what insurance pays. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
No storms, but insurers keep socking it away
To Florida homeowners, it seems like there is only one thing worse than a bad storm to make them dread opening their insurance bills: Years of calm. Private-sector insurers have long since collected more in premiums - nearly $40 billion through 2010 - than the $28.8 billion they paid in direct losses during and since the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, industry data shows. Yet consumers see no let-up in the push for higher premiums, and cutbacks in coverage and discounts. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Want a summer job? Start looking now
Though summer may seem a world away to most teens, now is the time to begin laying the groundwork if you want a job during school break. In December 2011, unemployment stood at 10.3 percent in Miami-Dade County and 8.6 percent in Broward. Displaced adult workers are now competing with teens for some of the same jobs, said Olivia Almagro, spokeswoman for South Florida Workforce. [Source: Miami Herald]
Big disparities in utility rates may stunt Florida's economic growth
The gap between the highest and the lowest price is enormous. And it may grow larger in coming years.
The difference has grown so noticeable that it may start influencing where people and new business choose to live and operate.
[Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› South Florida’s colleges provide an economic jolt to the region
South Florida’s colleges and universities are lifting the economy — employing tens of thousands and providing a multi-billion-dollar economic impact.
› Jaguars owner Shahid Khan ready to sell First Coast around the world
Business leaders are keen on using Jaguars owner Shahid Khan’s global connections to gain more attention and jobs from international firms. Khan said he’s ready to do that.
› The South Florida house that became a fraud machine
If South Florida was the capital of mortgage fraud, Victor Wolf’s home was arguably the epicenter, churning out millions in ill-gotten loot.
› Things are looking up in downtown Gainesville
Downtown business owners say momentum is building as new restaurants, bars and other businesses provide more options that are drawing more people.
They also credit coordinated efforts to keep sidewalks and streets clean and to address negative perceptions about downtown by offering valet parking and curtailing panhandling.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
