Thursday's Daily Pulse
As Florida ages, lawmakers ponder future of health care
Baby boomers are getting older. So are primary-care doctors and nurses. And Florida's population continues to grow. That combination could create a prescription for problems in Florida's health-care system during the next two decades. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
See also:
» Legislators, Seniors Demand More Accountability with Florida's Nursing home Industry
Florida's national energy efficiency score slips as rank rises
Florida's energy efficiency score slipped in the latest national evaluation of state programs released Wednesday, with below average utility and appliance standards as a leading cause of the drop. Though it's overall score fell from 17.5 to 15.5 out of 50 points, the Sunshine State's national rank rose to a tie for 27th from 29th. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
 Italian company AnsaldoBreda recently won a contract to supply a fleet of metro cars for Metrorail. » More here |
Florida Trend Exclusive
Italy is stepping up its presence in Florida
On Sept. 1, the Italian Trade Commission opened a full office inside the Italian Consulate in Coral Gables. The office, only the fifth in the U.S., marks a milestone in a relationship that has rapidly grown in importance during the past three years. Full story...
The 'nuclear renaissance:' What went wrong?
Not long ago, nuclear energy seemed poised to start a much-touted renaissance in the United States. But since then, the industry has seen a dramatic reversal of fortune. And while some environmentalists now argue that nuclear power is needed to head off climate change, the market has become a hostile place. [Source: WTSP/CNN]
White House announces $8.3-million in grants for Florida health centers
Florida community health centers will get $8.3 million in federal funds to expand the number of patients they can treat, U.S. Health and Human Services announced Wednesday. The money is to hire new doctors and nurses, purchase new equipment and lease new clinic space so that another 73,000 Floridians can get health care, officials said. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida's coral reefs make a comeback [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
South Florida's coral reefs, a natural wonder worth more than $6 billion to the local economy, appear to be rebounding after decades of damage, disease and deterioration.
› Red-lights camera challenge goes to Supreme Court [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A challenge against red-light cameras goes before the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday, just as a push to do away with them gains ground in the state Legislature.
› Florida House to vote on "stand your ground" repeal [AP]
The Republican-controlled Florida House is expected to vote down a bill to repeal the state's contentious "stand your ground" law. It's unusual for the Legislature to schedule a vote on a bill that lacks support from GOP legislators.
› Date set for MLS expansion award to Orlando [Orlando Sentinel]
Major League Soccer executives are expected to announce on Nov. 19 that Orlando will be its 21st franchise. The announcement would be held in downtown Orlando, with an open invitation to fans of Orlando City Soccer Club to attend and celebrate the team they've supported since it came to town three years ago.
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› Good drivers not taking pay-as-you-go insurance [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Most Americans say they drive better than others but only about 1 percent of all drivers have signed up for pay-as-you-drive car insurance that rewards careful driving, according to a subsidiary of North Palm Beach-based Bankrate.com.
› Questions and answers with Wells Fargo's new Florida president [South Florida Business Journal]
Wells Fargo Bank promoted North Florida Regional President Scott Coble to regional president for the entire state. The job came open in August when Shelly Freeman, who led Florida from an office in Miami, was promoted to a new position in charge of customer experience.
› PeerFly, Infinite Energy take top honors at Gainesville Chamber awards [Gainesville Sun]
CEO Chad French credited the 12 employees at PeerFly for the Alachua-based web marketing company being named the Overall Small Business of the Year. CEO Darin Cook credited all 370 employees in accepting Infinite Energy’s award as Best Overall Large Business.
› Duke Energy Earnings Rise on Lower Merger Costs [AP]
Duke Energy's net income rose 69 percent on lower merger costs, but the company's results were still weaker than investors had hoped as milder summer weather reduced electricity demand.