Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Friday's Daily Pulse

Most Florida business owners remain optimistic

More than half — 69 percent — of Florida business owners believe in the American dream of building a successful business, a new survey from American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor shows. Florida business owners have a similar positive outlook for their business prospects over the next six months. More at the Orlando Business Journal and American Express Open Forum.


Senate Withdraws Money For Enterprise Florida

A Florida organization in charge of attracting new businesses to the state is finding itself without some critical funding. Enterprise Florida brought about a new logo and branding campaign to entice new business to the state but that got some women's groups upset. Read more at WCTV and see also:

» Lawmakers drop plan to keep email addresses secret
» Florida Senate tweaks its plan to alter nuclear fee law
» Bill would deregulate Florida trauma centers
» Senate dumps 'living wage' provision of sick-time bill


Guns in the workplace: The impact after 5 years

Florida's "Stand Your Ground" gun law has been in cross hairs of controversy, but another law allowing employees to bring their guns to work is on the books with little push back. In 2008, Florida lawmakers solidified the right of workers to bring their guns to work in their vehicles. Employer have no right to ask if any employee is exercising that right. [Source: First Coast News]


Getting organized is big business for stores, professional advisers

Some companies are turning the task of getting Central Floridians organized into big business. Among them is the Container Store, which will open its first Orlando location Saturday near Mall at Millenia. And the California Closets company recently opened a Winter Park showroom to display its high-end shelving systems. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]


Senate OKs major Citizens insurance changes

Florida's turbulent property insurance market could be headed for another shock after the state Senate narrowly approved the most disruptive reforms in years, gambling that higher rates at state-run Citizens Property Insurance will lure back private insurers without spoiling Florida's real estate recovery. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

See also:
» Property insurers post hefty profits in 2012 despite Superstorm Sandy payouts


ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› HuB brings co-working concept to Sarasota
Started in 2009 in a former warehouse space, the HuB's loose coalition of creative types also has cultivated an image where fun and business mix.

› Feds enter debate over Lolita’s fate at Miami Seaquarium
The federal government has agreed to consider whether to declare Lolita, the Miami Seaquarium’s biggest star for more than 40 years, is a member of an endangered pack of Northwest Pacific killer whales.

› Applications being accepted for Florida Minority Nonprofit of the Year
The Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition (FMCRC) and the host committee of Let’s Do Business Florida and Summit have announced the open applicant process for the 2013 Florida Minority Nonprofit of the Year Award.

› Chef Robert Irvine talks about 'Creepy in Clearwater' episode
Sunday night is the big reveal of Restaurant: Impossible's "Creepy in Clearwater," which host Robert Irvine promises will feature "a lot of drama and a lot of grossness. You will see things that will make your stomach turn." Irvine spent time at Smitty's Restaurant in Clearwater in February to rehab the ailing business and the results air 10 p.m. Sunday on Food Network.


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› South Florida Super Bowl committee reveals details of bid for 2016 or 2017 game
Picture this: Biscayne Boulevard transformed into a mile-long street party, featuring live concerts, a Ferris wheel and more. That urban carnival is exactly what the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee promises for downtown Miami, should the NFL’s biggest game return to town in 2016 or ’17.

› Startup Quest will give training to unemployed college degree-holders
A new training program called Startup Quest will give unemployed Northeast Florida residents with college degrees some real-life training in turning cutting-edge research into marketable products.

› Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas now calls Brevard home
The Royal Caribbean cruise ship Enchantment of the Seas entered Port Canaveral this morning in preparation for its first sailing from its new home port. This is the first time in four years that Royal Caribbean has brought a new ship to Port Canaveral.

› Benderson Park tries to lure major triathlon
Nathan Benderson Park backers are hoping to bring an Olympic qualifying, world cup triathlon race — one of only eight held nationally — to the grounds each year.