Hardest Hit program for underwater homeowners to accept more applications

State housing officials say they will reopen a $350 million program meant to reduce the mortgage balances for "underwater" homeowners. The Florida Hardest Hit Fund Principal Reduction Program will accept online applications beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday. The application is available at PrincipalReductionFLHHF.org. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

See also:
» Questions raised about Florida program to help homeowners behind on mortgages

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Countdown on for big 2015 tourism conference in Orlando

In about a year, Orlando will host the most important conference in the travel and tourism industry, when the IPW annual meeting rolls into the Orange County Convention Center. For tourism and travel officials, hosting IPW — formerly known as International Pow Wow — is a little like having the NBA All-Star game or Super Bowl come to town .More from the Orlando Sentinel.

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Florida Cabinet asked to OK 2 nuclear reactors

Business Profile World of Beer ... and food As CEO of Tampa-based chain, Paul E. Avery makes it a priority to broaden the beer-heavy tavern’s appeal by adding food and mixed drinks to the menu. Avery says the changes are helping to fuel the company’s growth to 55 locations in 15 states. » Access full story

Gov. Scott and the state's three other elected officials on Tuesday will decide whether Florida Power & Light should be allowed to add two nuclear generators at its existing Turkey Point facility near Homestead. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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Availability of state-funded pre-K varies widely

The availability of state-funded pre-kindergarten programs varies widely from one part of the country to another, says a new report. A number of states had fairly high enrollments, including Florida where more than 7 out of 10 4-year-olds attended public pre-school. Read more and see a map from the AP.

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Animal Planet's 'Tanked' company opens in Fort Lauderdale

Getting a shark tank just got easier for South Floridians. The aquarium company featured on Animal Planet's hit show "Tanked" — designers of extravagant, jaw-dropping, million-dollar tanks — has opened a satellite office in Fort Lauderdale. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Financial Services A Relocation Success Story Nitin Motwani (left) and Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff are working to lure hedge funds to the city. When hedge fund Universa Investments relocated to Miami from Santa Monica, Calif., in March it became the first firm lured to the city since the Downtown Development Authority launched a finance sector initiative in October 2013. » Access full story

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