Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Tuesday's Daily Pulse

Rush of results should come early in Florida

Election night in Florida is usually a very long night, but this year, things may move faster. Time will tell, literally. Read more from the Times/Herald and see our roundup of Election Day coverage below:

» Election 2012: It's all over but the voting
» If Florida election goes haywire, he'll play the role of Katherine Harris
» Which states will determine Election 2012? Here's your guide to watching results
» The 20 Highest-Grossing Election Themed Movies
» Florida’s presidential election is half over
» Not voting? You're not alone
» As Election Day 2012 arrives, disputes already arise

Obama Romney Florida


Businesses mobilize for Sandy's victims

Retailers have let people use their wireless service and electrical outlets. Gyms opened their doors, and their shower stalls, to non-members. Businesses big and small have rallied to help East Coast residents cope with the loss of heat, light, water and even their patience after Superstorm Sandy’s wrath. [Source: Florida Today]


Scott continues push of new education plan

Gov. Rick Scott continued his push Monday for changes to how schools operate, saying education is the key to a robust economy. Speaking to the state Board of Education at its meeting in Boca Raton, Scott outlined his previously announced “College and Career FIRST” plan. More from the AP and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


Get ready for even earlier Black Friday shopping hours

We've barely made a dent in the Halloween candy, but already 'tis the season to be jolly — and spend money. Stores are gearing up for Black Friday with even earlier hours than last year, when many retailers experimented with Thanksgiving hours and reaped the rewards. Stores are hoping for a repeat of 2011, when Black Friday sales were up 7 percent compared with the previous year. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]


Gasoline prices post biggest fall in nearly 4 years

The average U.S. price for a gallon of regular gasoline took its biggest drop since 2008 in the past two weeks, due to lower crude oil prices, a big price drop in pump prices in California and Hurricane Sandy. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]


ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches about to turn 100
As the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches prepares to celebrate its 100th birthday next year, the Palm Beach Post asked five longtime members how their businesses have changed over the years and how they have continued to thrive. From increased competition to hurricanes to vast technological ad

› Two large Orlando-based community banks to merge
Two Orlando-based community banks said Monday they have agreed to combine under the same parent company, in a merger deal with the potential to create the region's largest locally based bank.

› Urban Flats chain struggles after early success
Urban Flats was once poised for success, with restaurants around the Southeast U.S. and visions of nationwide expansion. But the Orlando-based chain in recent years has suffered through shutdowns, lawsuits, delinquent taxes and accusations from former employees who said they weren't paid.

› National award for Museum of Contemporary Art
North Miami’s Museum of Contemporary Art has won a national award granted to museums for community engagement. Given by the Institute of Museum and Library services, a federal agency, the award is the highest honor in the country granted to museums and libraries for service to their communities.


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› Tens of thousands of Citizens policyholders face deadline to find other insurer
As millions of Floridians head to the polls on Tuesday, about 175,000 homeowners will face another stark choice: Stay with Citizens Property Insurance Corp., or allow a smaller private company to take over their policy.

› Did Florida-based company avoid paying overtime?
Maria Cruz's work schedule for cleaning large retail stores was easy to understand -- seven days a week, eight hours per day. But the way she says her employer accounted for those hours wasn't as simple.

› More arts, stronger economy, new research finds
The economic impact of the arts is soaring in Broward County, and stronger support for the arts could boost the economy further, creating jobs and helping small businesses grow, a new study has found.

› Sun Hydraulics profits fall
Sun Hydraulics Corp.’s third-quarter profits fell 23 percent from the same period a year ago, impacted by a slowing economy both in Europe and Asia and in North America. Sales dropped 8 percent.