Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Friday's Daily Pulse

Florida business owners outlook brightens

More than four in 10 owners of small and mid-sized companies in the Sunshine State - about 42 percent - feel good about their own firm’s prospects during the next six months, according to the latest findings of the PNC Economic Outlook survey. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]


Effort to expand gaming to end

This year's quest to broaden gaming in Florida has come to an end. Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, said during session Thursday that negotiations between the state and the Seminole Indian tribe over gaming have hindered other proposals. More from the AP, Reuters and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Legislative Roundup
» Florida Senate OK’s ‘warning shot’ bill
» Overhaul of Florida charities law seems headed for passage
» Senate moves bill shielding nursing home interests


As Cuba eases investment rules, many Cuban-Americans turn against the embargo

Younger Cuban-Americans are less obsessed with Cuba than their exiled elders. Like other Americans, pollsters say, they now think more pragmatically; Cuba is not the only voting issue that they care about. In fact, they are more likely to be pouring money into Cuba than shunning it. [Source: The Economist]

See also:
» If not now, when?


Using data a big benefit for small business

In the current fast-paced global business environment, small companies have to be up-to-date and business savvy in order to stay competitive in their market and industry. One way to do this is to use data in order to make key business decisions. [Source: Florida Today]


Craft beer distribution battle brews in Florida legislature

Craft brewers in Florida are up in arms over a bill in the state legislature that would limit how the breweries can sell their own beer. The law would force craft brewers to sell their bottled and canned beer directly to a distributor. If they want to sell it in their own tap rooms, they would then have to buy it back at what is typically a 30-40 percent mark-up. More from Reuters and Paste Magazine.


ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Yoga and beer together in Miami
Yoga poses can be tough on a beer belly, but yogi Shelah Davis guarantees any body type can adapt to the exercise. That's why she started Om Brew Yoga, a program in which she leads yoga classes at local breweries

› Tampa company sues local Bollywood boosters
A Tampa-based video communications company is suing two leading local organizers behind the effort to bring the Bollywood film industry's annual awards show to Tampa.

› Space Florida deal gives tax-free ride to mystery company
An aerospace company considering a project to create 1,800 high-paying jobs at Melbourne International Airport would not have to pay county, city or school taxes on the $500 million project, as part of a deal with Space Florida.

› Babcock Ranch developers planning a solar city
Developers of the proposed Babcock Ranch community east of Punta Gorda say a new electric utility to serve the area could help expedite their vision for a city powered by the sun.
» Related: Babcock seeks new power plan


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› Miami-to-Beach rail estimated at $532 million
A passenger light rail system from Government Center in downtown Miami to the Convention Center in Miami Beach via the MacArthur Causeway would cost about $532 million to build and some $22 million a year to operate and maintain.

› New local dining, drinking brands part of Tampa International Airport's plan
The options for eating and drinking at Tampa International Airport are about to be revamped and expanded. But Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist, who sits on the Aviation Authority board, wants to know how the airport can make sure that Tampa Bay's iconic local brands are a part of that new lineup.

› Internet Cafes raided across state
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Brevard County sheriff's office and other agencies across the state carried out a series of raids this week targeting 14 Internet cafes. The raids were conducted in Brevard, Duval, Columbia, Marion and Lake counties.

› Pérez art museum’s attendance stunner
The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) already has welcomed 75% of the visitors it expected its first year – and it just opened in December.