Thursday's Daily Pulse
Florida's business tax climate 5th best in the country
A new national report ranks Florida's business tax climate as fifth best in the nation, but it doesn't reflect the whole picture of the state's tax system, according to Florida TaxWatch. "In a couple areas, it overstates the quality of Florida's tax structure," Kurt Wenner, vice president of Tax Research for Florida TaxWatch, said. Read more from the Tampa Bay Times and see the report.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida Icon: Walter Lanier ‘Red' Barber
The famed sports announcer, who died in 1992, left behind an extensive interview that was recorded with Michael Gannon in 1983. The interview became part of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program at the University of Florida. We pay tribute to Red by publishing these excerpts: Access article here.
Gov Scott: Second term will focus on jobs and education
In his first post-election interview, Gov. Rick Scott said this week that creating jobs and improving Florida’s education system will be his priorities in his second term. Scott also said he will push for $1 billion in tax cuts -- as he promised during his re-election campaign -- over the next two years. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Report sheds light on Florida’s video game industry
Florida’s computer and video game industry grew by 21.5 percent from 2009 to 2012 and added more than $171 million to the state economy. In the same time period, the industry nationwide increased by 9 percent and added more than $6.2 billion to the U.S. economy. Read more from the Miami Herald and see the report.
Global shoppers fuel Miami malls
Efforts to cash in on international tourism are paying off for some of the South Florida’s largest shopping malls. An estimated 30%-35% of foot traffic at Aventura Mall is comprised of visitors from other countries, said Anabel Llopis, senior director of sales and marketing. [Source: Miami Today]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› With casinos everywhere, South Florida owners seek help [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Wall Street analysts fear the South Florida gambling market is saturated, and it's easy to see why: South Broward County has five casinos within 15 minutes of each other, and Miami-Dade has a pocket with three.
› Palm Beach County looks to add another research park [South Florida Business Journal]
Building on the $450 million economic impact of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach County is looking into adding a research park in the northern part of the county.
› Appliance store chain APSCO files for bankruptcy reorganization [Tampa Bay Times]
APSCO Appliance & TV Centers, a Clearwater-based chain, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The retailer listed assets between $1 million and $10 million and debts in the same range in a filing Wednesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Tampa.
› Miami thrives as nation’s luxury car capital [Miami Today]
As retail sales swell amid the turkey and tinsel of each holiday season, luxury car sales also see larger receipts at day’s end. That is particularly true for the Miami market, which historically outsells its counterparts in other areas of the country.
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› Tamarac medical billing company to hire 50 [South Florida Business Journal]
A Tamarac medical billing company that specializes in mental health and substance abuse plans to hire 50 to 100 people in the next year, its human resources manager said.
› Top 10 Florida cities for cheapskates [Palm Beach Post]
Coldwell Banker released its annual report today on the priciest and cheapest home markets in the country. In Florida, Lake Wales proved the area to buy the most economical property at an average price of $82,330.
› SeaWorld: Declines in attendance, profit in third quarter earnings report [Orlando Sentinel]
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. reported declines in attendance, profit and revenue for its third quarter Wednesday and said it still is suffering from negative publicity over keeping whales in captivity.
› Miami International Boat Show moving to Marine Stadium; renovations closer [Miami Herald]
The Miami International Boat Show is taking its luxury yachts and crush of customers and setting sail from Miami Beach for a new home farther south on Biscayne Bay. The new digs: hurricane-battered, graffiti-tagged Miami Marine Stadium.