Wednesday's Daily Pulse
Florida concerns at forefront in new Congress
Political clashes over immigration and Cuba have thrust Florida concerns to the forefront of the 114th session of Congress, which opened on Tuesday with festive swearing-in ceremonies mixed with signs of infighting to come. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Republican-led group launches ballot petition to boost solar power in Florida
Backers of broader use of solar energy in Florida have quietly launched a petition for the 2016 ballot that would allow those who generate electricity from the sun to sell the power directly to other consumers. If the measure passes, solar proponents argue that it would open up Florida's solar energy market, which has largely stagnated for years. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Time is running out to register!
Florida Trend is searching for Florida's best workplaces in the annual Florida's Best Companies To Work For program. Participation in the program is free, and companies with at least 15 full-time, regular employees are eligible and encouraged to participate. But time is running out to register - January 23 is the deadline. Read more here or find out how to register at bestcompaniesfl.com.
How a too-strong dollar might lead to a too-weak world
While it's a compliment to have a strong dollar, the honor is not without its downsides. When the dollar rises against other currencies, it increases risks to U.S. manufacturers. So economists are looking for signs that a good thing may be starting to go too far. [Source: NPR]
Gas prices drop for 100 days in a row
Gasoline in Florida has fallen for an unprecedented 100 days in a row. For many, falling gas prices equates to greater discretionary spending in places like restaurants. Businesses that use a great deal of fuel, like landscaping firms, also are benefitting. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Legislators to discuss state's culture of testing
The furor over state testing will discussed by two Senate committees on Wednesday. Legislators are not expected to take action Wednesday, but they are being lobbied by school districts and parent and teacher groups to make reforms this year to the state's testing culture. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Lake Nona strikes deal for 'lagoon' to anchor resort [Orlando Sentinel]
A Miami-based company that specializes in creating recreational lakes announced a partnership with Tavistock Development to build an 11-acre lagoon as a centerpiece for a resort at Lake Nona.
» The Villages and Lake Nona are growth magnets
› Florida starts strawberry shipments a week late [The Packer]
After experiencing a late start, Florida strawberry shipments hit promotable volume the week of Dec. 22, about a week later than normal. While volume in late December and early January was high, buyers should expect a significant slowing of harvesting to begin in mid-January.
› Florida could become Deep South's prime gay wedding destination [AP]
With gay marriage now legal in Florida, same-sex couples from around the Deep South crossed the border Tuesday as the Sunshine State became a prime regional destination for gay and lesbian weddings still banned back home.
› Bakery operators ready to settle lawsuit with Jaguars owner [Florida Times-Union]
Attorneys for operators of a popular Murray Hill bakery say they’re ready to end their legal dispute for ownership of the business with Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› RealtyTrac signs big South Florida firm to broker network [Inman]
Listings pooled by real estate brokers in South Florida will soon be showing up in searches on realtytrac.com, with RealtyTrac sending the leads they generate to the newest member of its referral network, The Keyes Company.
› From Whole Foods to Walmart, Publix will continue to dominate competitors in 2015 [Tampa Bay Business Journal]
In an age where many supermarket chains are consolidating, Publix Supermarkets Inc. seems stronger than ever and ready to take on the next challenge, said David J. Livingston, grocery analyst and president of Milwaukee-based DJL Research.
› Trader Joe's begins hiring 'mates' for St. Petersburg store [Tampa Bay Times]
Need a gig? Have a Magnum P.I.-level love for Hawaiian shirts? Then get ready: The soon-to-open Trader Joe's in St. Petersburg will start accepting applications for potential new employees Jan. 12.
› South Florida airports and cruise ports expect busy 2015 [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
New flights, cruise ships and cruise ventures will bring more travelers to South Florida's airports and cruise ports in 2015, officials say. "We anticipate 2015 to be the busiest year in the airport's history with passenger counts projected to reach 25 million," said Greg Meyer, spokesman for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.