Battle looms over Florida goals for conserving electricity

A range of technologies new and old — solar power, highly efficient appliances, thicker insulation — threaten utility company profits. Over the last 10 years, per capita electricity use in Florida fell nearly 12 percent. The recession played a role, but now, even as Florida's economy and population are growing again, power demand is not. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.

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» Ad campaign, rally target proposals to cut Florida's conservation goals

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Florida jury awards record $23 billion against RJ Reynolds

A Florida jury has awarded the widow of a chain smoker who died of lung cancer 18 years ago record punitive damages of more than $23 billion in her lawsuit against the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, the nation's second-biggest cigarette maker. The judgment was the largest in Florida history in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by a single plaintiff, Chris Chestnut. The case is one of thousands filed in Florida after the state Supreme Court in 2006 tossed out a $145 billion class action verdict. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

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Florida elections overflow with outside money

More than $200 million in outside money has poured into Florida elections since a landmark 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision, bombarding voters with ads, weakening control candidates have over their own messages and pitting free speech rights against increasing secrecy. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

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Affordable Care Act creates residencies for Florida doctors

Doctors under the supervision of Community Health of South Florida, Inc. are the first in Florida to be accepted into residencies as a result of a provision in the Affordable Care Act that establishes grants for the training of primary-care physicians. The aim is to address a severe shortage of such doctors nationwide [Source: Miami Herald]

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Study says national parks boost economy

The National Park Service released a report that says spending on hotels, restaurants, gas and supplies by visitors to U.S. national parks in 2013 contributed $14.6 billion in economic benefits to communities within 60 miles of the parks nationwide. [Source: AP]

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida's space agency launches new pitch for commercial rockets [Orlando Sentinel]
In the war between the states for the emerging commercial-rocket-launch industry, Florida is scrambling to regain momentum after a key rival — Texas — has all but secured victory in a major battle.

› Medical marijuana: Florida’s new business boom
Some of Florida’s most established nurseries contemplate adding medical marijuana, Florida’s newest crop, as the state begins creating industry regulations. [Source: Miami Herald]
See a comprehensive report on Medical Marijuana from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
See also: » Medical pot could bring Fla. tax revenue windfall

› Jacksonville earns high marks for small business environment [Florida Times-Union]
When it comes to small business, Jacksonville is among the country’s best cities to develop companies with few employees.

› Employers hiring, reinvesting in real estate [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
More than 60 percent of business leaders plan to hire full-time workers in the next six to 12 months, according to a report by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce's Council of Economic Advisors.

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› Orlando MLS franchise sells 7,500 season tickets [AP]
Orlando City Soccer Club says it is halfway to selling its anticipated season ticket capacity for its first Major League Soccer season in 2015.

› DEO head navigates issues from technology to long-term unemployment [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Jesse Panuccio, executive director of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, has survived two tough years as executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

› Brevard over the moon with Apollo memories [Florida Today]
The Apollo program's achievements remain critical to Brevard County's identity, celebrated in the names of local streets and schools, diners and housing developments.

› Florida State Professor Wins Robotics Grant [CBS Miami ]
A Florida State University professor has been awarded a $400,000 grant to fund research in the field of robotics.