Wednesday's Daily Pulse
Business as usual at Florida gun shops and ranges
As one national retailer removed semiautomatic rifles from its shelves, the national gun-control debate has sent Florida gun enthusiasts dashing to snag existing supplies. Read more from the Miami Herald and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Related:
» Brevard legislators: Armed teachers worth considering
» Florida Stand Your Ground sponsor: 'Everything's on the table'
» Investors turn against gun makers after massacre
» Scott, other Florida leaders say it's time to grieve, not argue about guns
» Gunmakers and sellers grapple with decisions in wake of Newtown shootings
Florida uses oil spill money for conservation land
Florida is using money from an oil spill settlement for conservation lands in the Panhandle. State officials said Tuesday that half of Florida's $10 million settlement has been used to buy property and obtain a conservation easement. [Source: AP]
Gov. Scott looks to Chile for trade
Just back from Colombia, Gov. Rick Scott is preparing another Florida business mission to South America — this time to Chile. Scott is expected to lead about 100 Florida business and government officials to the Pacific coast nation of 17 million people in mid-May, aiming largely to expand Florida sales. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
» The Florida-Colombia Connection
Rising Tide
Bay County, home to northwest Florida’s largest port and its only container port, is riding a wave of international trade growth.
» Port Panama City wrapped up its fiscal year in September with a 3% cargo gain over 2011.
» The port’s biggest customer, 2008 Cottondale startup Green Circle Bio Energy, shipped more than a half-million tons to Europe and expects to maintain the momentum.
Stores, malls take break on Christmas Day, reboot with early hours on Dec. 26
While many people wolfed down turkey dinners to head to the stores on Thanksgiving this year, that won't be the case on Christmas Day. Stores are keeping with tradition and staying closed. At some point, people do trump profits. Rest assured, the spending hiatus won't last long. Stores and malls will reboot the registers first thing Dec. 26 with enticing post-holiday sales. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Wood storks no longer endangered, federal wildlife managers say [Miami Herald]
In a decision urged by Florida homebuilders, federal wildlife managers propose lifting the “endangered” species tag on an important wading bird
› All Aboard Florida wins OK to negotiate for right of way [Orlando Sentinel]
All Aboard Florida got the go-ahead Tuesday to start negotiating a deal for right of way along the BeachLine Expressway that is crucial to its $1 billion plan for a train linking Miami and Orlando.
› Broward boosts gay travel marketing [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Sixteen years after Greater Fort Lauderdale pioneered marketing to gay travelers, Broward County's tourism bureau has taken another bold step: hiring someone dedicated solely to the gay market.
› Floridians vote on new license tag [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
There is not expected to be a recount, but the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced today that voting from the public has ended for a new motor vehicle license design that could be on Florida’s cars and trucks by 2014.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Pipeline Brickell, a new co-working space, reaches 70% occupancy [Miami Herald]
Pipeline Brickell, the shared workspace that opened last month, announced it has reached 70 percent occupancy and is now home to dozens of startups, established companies and professionals.
› Former CEO of Progress Energy Florida Jeff Lyash resigns from Duke Energy [Tampa Bay Times]
Progress Energy's merger with Duke Energy has resulted in the departure of another senior executive, the utility announced this week.
› Day in the life of a South Florida airport employee [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
As I greeted my first JetBlue Airways customer at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport customer check-in desk, I had three pressing concerns: Did this blond, Boston-bound traveler pack explosives in his luggage or sneak more than a few ounces of shampoo or conditioner into his carry-on toiletry bag?
› Debate Over Craft Beer Versus ‘Faux Craft' Beers Bubbles Up [Lakeland Ledger]
A suddenly public debate over craft beer versus "faux craft" brands made by multinational conglomerates could portend bigger battles to come in the rapidly growing segment.