Thursday's Daily Pulse

Posted 4/18/2013

Updated 1 decade ago

Florida could pass two health care programs

A solution to the impasse on health care could be that the House and Senate agree to pass two health care programs: one that would provide subsidized access to a managed care plan with the use of additional federal Medicaid dollars — called Healthy Florida, which Negron drafted and supports — and one that is espoused by the House that would provide subsidies for an alternative program called Florida Health Choices Plus. [Source: Jacksonville Business Journal]

Jeanne Trudeau Tate, Managing Partner - Law Office of Jeanne T. Tate, is one of several attorneys profiled that do pro bono work.
» Go to story: "Bono Fide - Florida's Pro Bono Stars"

Florida Trend Exclusive
Bono Fide - Florida's Pro Bono Stars

In late 2009, the Florida Bar rolled out its One Campaign in hopes of persuading Florida’s attorneys to donate more of their time to clients who can’t afford to pay. The effort, which asks each of the state’s attorneys to take on at least one case pro bono, created buzz about pro bono work, says Gwynne Young, president of the Florida Bar, but she’s still waiting to see a significant boost in the number of donated hours. Read the full story here and see our list of Other 2013 Pro Bono Awards.

Florida to be first state to regulate drones

On Wednesday, the House unanimously passed SB 92, which would allow law-enforcement to launch camera-carrying surveillance drones only if they first obtain a warrant from a judge -- or if a person's life or property is believed to be in imminent danger, or if the Department of Homeland Security has declared a terrorist threat. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the Times/Herald.

Port executives say funding gap could hurt competitiveness

As work on expansion of the Panama Canal reaches the halfway point and the maritime industry increasingly shifts to super-sized ships too large for many U.S. ports, experts said Wednesday that the United States is falling behind on making improvements critical to keeping it competitive in global commerce. [Source: Miami Herald]

State goal: Recycle or compost 75 percent of waste by 2020

The state has set a goal of having 75 percent of business and household waste diverted to recycling or composting by 2020. Most things in people’s trash bins can be recycled or composted, but educating consumers and businesses remains a challenge, despite the fact that trash can have a big effect on a business or household's bottom line. More from the Crestview Bulletin and the Florida DEP.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Chris Hart IV to continue role as President & CEO at Workforce Florida, Inc.
On Wednesday, Dwayne Ingram, Chairman of Workforce Florida, announced Chris Hart will continue as chief executive of Workforce Florida. Said Ingram, "Chris' strong leadership since 2007 has resulted in many improvements and accomplishments for our system. As Florida's economy continues to rebound, it's imperative that we have leadership continuity to maintain the current momentum toward achieving our 2013 goals and successfully completing several major initiatives underway." Full statement from Ingram is here.

› Pick of the Vine: Wine conference comes to Orlando [Florida Today]
A unique opportunity for wine lovers in Central Florida will occur this summer when the Society of Wine Educators brings its annual conference to the Renaissance Hotel at SeaWorld in Orlando.

› Ocala approves plan to build fuel farm at airport [Ocala Star-Banner]
The Ocala City Council has voted unanimously to build a new $400,000 fuel farm at the Ocala International Airport and allow the fixed base operator the exclusive use of the gas tanks until its lease expires in February 2018. In exchange, Landmark Aviation, the fixed base operator, has agreed to spend $80,000 to develop new business at the airport.

› High security to greet runners at OIA Corporate 5K [Orlando Sentinel]
With a nation on edge after Monday's terror attack at the Boston Marathon, Orlando police are stepping up security at Thursday's IOA Corporate 5K. City officials said they expect more than 15,000 runners and walkers at Lake Eola Park for the annual event, which begins at 7:15 p.m.

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› Environmental review launched for All Aboard Florida passenger railway [Palm Beach Post]
All Aboard Florida is gearing up on a comprehensive environmental study of its proposed Miami-to-Orlando express passenger railway with stops in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. The railway, which is an affiliate of Florida East Coast Industries, aims to have the service running by the end of 2015, an ambitious schedule.

› World Wrestling Entertainment expected to announce new development in Orlando [Orlando Sentinel]
Few details have been provided by WWE yet, but several wrestling-insider websites have speculated that the WWE will open a training facility. According to WrestleZone.com, the facility "will hold five wrestling rings, which will allow for much more ring time for developmental wrestlers."

› Sales tax hike sought for infrastructure [Miami Today]
Miami-Dade commissioners are looking to raise sales taxes by a penny for 10 years to generate funds for infrastructure. Taxes would rise from the present 7% though most of the county to 8%.

› BoConcept furniture, Smart car join hands [Tampa Bay Times]
It's not an obvious pairing, furniture and cars. But it's an ideal match for BoConcept and Mercedes Benz Smart cars. The European manufacturers have teamed up on a new furniture line and Smart car design that highlights their common focus on urban living, functionality and good design.