Friday's Daily Pulse
 Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel » Story |
Hospitals in Florida are redesigning to improve outcomes
With its dramatic three-story atrium, spacious reception area and clusters of comfy chairs, the entryway of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel feels more like an upscale hotel lobby than a health care facility. The amenities are more than just aesthetic. Evidence has shown that a hospital’s design can be therapeutic for patients as well as improve staff well-being and efficiency.
» Full story with photo gallery is here. Besides the Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, we also look at the Jupiter Medical Center, Nemours at Lake Nona and the Parrish Medical Center.
Community banks 'too small to survive'?
A provocative blog that contends there are too many banks in the United States has ignited a national debate over community banking. In the blog, posted on Slate, business and economics correspondent Matthew Yglesias said community banks, which he dubbed "microbanks," are poorly managed, can't be regulated and can't compete. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]
Supreme Court won't adopt medical malpractice rule
The Supreme Court refused Thursday to adopt a state rule reflected in a law that creates restrictions on doctors who can testify during medical malpractice trials, agreeing it would have a chilling effect on the ability to find expert witnesses. [Source: AP]
Office holiday parties bigger, grander this year
The open bars are back and the food spreads and restaurant venues are much nicer. With an improving economy, employers are upgrading their holiday parties this year. Besides being a holiday celebration, a party also can serve to strengthen business relationships. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Scott's fee proposal already picking up support
Gov. Rick Scott's plan to lower vehicle-registration fees by $401 million picked up steam ahead of its announcement Thursday, gaining measured support from Senate President Don Gaetz and, somewhat sarcastically, from Scott's chief rival in his bid for re-election next year. Read more from Florida Today and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› PortMiami zoning district could open door to private development [Miami Herald]
A new zoning designation that received preliminary approval Thursday could open the door to private development on PortMiami — though not necessarily a soccer stadium.
› Central Florida's small downtowns offer holiday-shopping alternatives [Orlando Sentinel]
Suffering from big-box-store overload? Central Florida's smaller downtowns offer a break from the crowds and a chance to turn holiday shopping into an adventure.
› Bill Edwards buys controlling interest in Rowdies [Tampa Bay Times]
Bill Edwards announced this afternoon that he has bought controlling interest of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Edwards, the millionaire owner of Mortgage Investors Corp., has deep ties in St. Petersburg.
› 24-year-old ‘spokester’ sparks credit union [Miami Today]
A financial institution whose members are typically middle-aged has recruited a 24-year-old to help attract customers born in the 1980s and ’90s. And since it hired Alysha Klein as its “spokester” in June, Tropical Financial Credit Union has added 220 members ages 18 to 25.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› In Lakewood Ranch, polo has come far from cow pasture beginnings [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
One might say it was the sport that launched a community. Just a couple of decades ago, when the eastern portion of University Parkway was still a shell and dirt road, and Lakewood Ranch was not even on the drawing board, a few ranch executives and workers saddled up on a cow pasture for a sport usually reserved for fancy clubs.
› Deal brings accounting giant to Fort Lauderdale [South Florida Business Journal]
Chicago-based BDO USA LLP will have its first location in Fort Lauderdale and boost its South Florida employment above 100 thanks to its combination with Alpern Rosenthal.
› Florida group joins in lawsuit protesting AARP Medicare network cuts [Tampa Bay Times]
Unhappy that AARP Medicare plans are dropping thousands of doctors from their 2014 networks, the Florida Medical Association has jumped into an ongoing federal court action that is fighting the practice.
› Gloria and Emilio Estefan to be named ambassadors [Miami Today]
A proposal that could see entertainment giants Emilio and Gloria Estefan serve as Miami-Dade trade and cultural ambassadors for four years is being fast-tracked through the county’s legislative process.