Thursday's Daily Pulse
Florida again leads nation in foreclosure rate
Florida had the highest foreclosure rate in the U.S. in July, according to the Florida Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research. One in every 326 housing units was in foreclosure. Nine of the top 10 cities in the country -- in terms of foreclosure rates -- were in Florida. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
 The MacKenzies turned to Harry “Hank” Madden to manage their lottery fortune. » Story here [Photo: Ryan Ketterman] |
Florida Trend Exclusive
A-Lotto Money
The financial adviser for a mother and son who won the $590.5-million Powerball in May has seen his life change nearly as much as theirs. Read the story of Harry "Hank" Madden, financial adviser and CEO of Madden Advisory Services. Full story...
In Florida, insurance exchange enrollment problems continue
A second consecutive day of technical problems in Florida on Wednesday locked out consumers attempting to log on to the online health insurance exchanges that are key to the healthcare reform law known as the Affordable Care Act. [Source: Miami Herald]
Related:
» Medical research dollars and help not flowing during shutdown
» Head Start program in Fla. closes due to shutdown
» Shutdown slow to affect Florida agencies
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| Looking for the right place to move or expand your business? Look no further than Florida. Few states can match Florida’s unique combination of advantages, which include: a top-flight workforce, ready proximity to global markets, a business climate that encourages innovation and a quality of life that is second to none. | ||
Are more Florida business owners ready to hire and grow?
Florida small- and midsize-business owners are not feeling much more confident about growing revenue or profits, according to a survey by PNC Bank. The October 2013 version of its bi-annual survey in Florida found that 45 percent of them expected higher sales – a dip from 48 percent in April, although improved from 38 percent in October 2012. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Web.com to ring stock market bell [Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville’s Web.com will have a center spot Thursday on Wall Street. To mark the Web.com golf tour completing its season, a group representing the company and the tour will ring Nasdaq’s closing bell.
› All Aboard Florida train could start construction next year [Orlando Sentinel]
People who now drive from Central to South Florida could within two years hop on a train for a three-hour trip instead, thanks to deals being reached this week. Owned by Florida East Coast Industries of Coral Gables, All Aboard Florida is planning depots at Orlando International Airport, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
› California hedge fund Miami dreamin’ [Miami Today]
A California hedge fund using the secretive alias Confidential Project: Ludwig is looking at moving its base to Coconut Grove, bringing 25 jobs averaging $100,000 salary. But the company is also considering Houston and Austin, TX, and seeks state and local incentives that it says could tip the balance in Coconut Grove’s favor.
› Key West voters reject channel study [AP]
Key West voters overwhelmingly rejected the idea of spending several million dollars on a study to determine the feasibility of widening the city's main shipping channel to accommodate modern, larger cruise ships.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› MDC, Goldman Sachs partner to bring $5 million small business program to South Florida [Miami Herald]
Miami Dade College and Goldman Sachs are teaming up to launch the investment banking firm’s 10,000 Small Businesses program in South Florida. The program, aimed at helping existing companies grow and create more jobs, will be funded with a $5 million grant from Goldman Sachs.
› Plan would use bed tax money to pay for EverBank Field upgrades [Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown announced a plan Wednesday to use hotel bed taxes to pay the city's share of $63 million in EverBank Field renovations. "EverBank Field is one of Jacksonville's most important economic development assets," Brown said in making the announcement.
› 25,000 applications received for Hardest Hit Fund's principal reduction program [Tampa Bay Times]
The $350 million principal-reduction program offered by the Florida Hardest-Hit Fund closed its doors Wednesday after receiving 25,000 applications from underwater homeowners in one week.
› USF Health Service Corps Helps Migrant Farmworkers [WUSF]
When members of USF Health Service Corps help their community, they’re also helping hone their own skills. The group, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is made up of students from across USF Health.