Monday's Daily Pulse
Surpluses and tax cuts for some states, deficits for others
For the first time since the recession ended, state revenues and employment have both surpassed pre-recession levels, at least in the country as a whole. But if this is finally the “good times,” it sure doesn’t feel like it to some states. [Source: Stateline]
Florida’s former ‘dropout factories’ churn out diplomas
In Broward and Miami-Dade — where the chances of graduating on time were a coin flip just a decade ago — graduation rates have reached the mid- and upper-70th percentile. Thousands more seniors now earn diplomas on time, and inner city schools where fewer than half the students once made it now graduate three in four. [Source: Miami Herald]
South Florida named 'American Dream' region
South Florida is considered an "American Dream" place, where residents believe that they are working for and achieving a better life for their families and future generations, according to a new study. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Push to climate change a key issue in Florida governor's race
One of America's wealthiest investors is hoping to defeat Gov. Rick Scott by putting big money into making climate change a major political issue in Florida. NextGen Climate aims to raise $100 million and spend it on seven races around the country, including the Scott-Crist contest. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
 Dr. J. Stanley Marshall |
JMI announces the passing of its founder, Dr. J. Stanley Marshall
The James Madison Institute (JMI) announced that its founder, former Florida State University President J. Stanley Marshall, died Sunday, June 8, 2014. A science educator, Marshall served as FSU's President during the tumultuous 60's. During that time, FSU’s science education program became noted for its rigorous standards, graduating excellent teachers for Florida’s high schools. He later founded the James Madison Institute, a state-based “think tank” to advocate on behalf of individual liberty and free-market solutions. Full announcement from JMI is here (includes video).
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› UF recruits 37 faculty in first round of preeminence hiring [Florida Trend]
The University of Florida has recruited more than three dozen distinguished faculty members from around the world as the first round of hires in the university's "Preeminence Plan" to rise among the nation's top public universities.
» Related: UF takes a crack at cracking the top 10
› Hospital prices continue to rise in Southwest Florida [Fort Myers News-Press]
Prices for the most common hospital procedures continued to climb in 2012 in Southwest Florida, according to the second year of data from the Medicare system.
› Solar Fest shows potential, hurdles of renewable energy [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
With the cost of solar panels plunging and financing options expanding, now is the time to explore sun, wind and other renewable energies for homes and businesses. That was the message at the second annual Go Solar Fest.
› Florida State teaches veterans business skills [AP]
Florida State University is in the midst of hosting 24 military veterans for an "entrepreneurship boot camp" for veterans with the disabilities.
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› International travelers headed to Brazil get a taste of the World Cup at Miami airport [Miami Herald]
With only five days to go before the start of the 2014 World Cup tournament, thousands of international travelers are streaming through Miami International Airport headed to various cities in Brazil where the soccer games will take place.
› Cannabis entrepreneurs get suggestions for success [Orlando Sentinel]
Would-be medical marijuana entrepreneurs gathered in Orlando were told Friday that if Florida voters approve Amendment 2 in November, any successful businesses must be squeaky clean, savvy about all the usual concerns from capital to patent rights -- and positioned for rapid growth.
› State bankrolls USF business school's building [TBO.com]
With a $10 million boost in the budget approved by Gov. Rick Scott this past week, and $5 million from last year, the downtown St. Petersburg campus is finally in position to forge ahead with the estimated $27 million project for a new College of Business building.
› Couple finds fun side of media business [St. Augustine Record]
Donald Jones and Janice Dusseau Jones knew they had it good as on-air talent for news broadcasts on NBC WNCN in Raleigh, N.C. That’s what made their decision to walk away and start their own business so difficult.