Wednesday's Daily Pulse
Florida's 'middle market' companies plan to invest and hire
Nearly four out of five "middle-market" companies in Florida are poised to invest, including in new employees, according to a survey released Tuesday by the National Center for the Middle Market. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A lot of Florida storylines in the State of the Union Address
In his State of the Union speech Tuesday, President Obama laid out a number of proposals he wants to pursue in the coming year, many of which would affect Florida. Read more from WTSP and the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
See also:
» Florida Reactions to Obama's State of the Union speech
» Obama appeals for 'better politics'
» More Florida reaction to the State of the Union
Campuses arming officers as parents, others seek assurances
Nearly all campus police officers at public universities now carry guns, pepper spray and other weapons, according to a new Justice Department report, and experts say more private schools are looking to arm police. [Source: AP]
U.S.-Cuba talks could forge cooperation
ban fraudsters and other fugitives who have plundered Medicare and preyed upon Florida victims for decades suddenly face a growing threat of prosecution because of closer ties between the United States and Cuba. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida Insurance Commissioner McCarty’s future in doubt
Florida’s insurance regulator’s tenure could be coming to an end after more than a decade as the newly re-elected governor looks to shake up his administration by replacing the heads of state agencies. [Source: Insurance Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Heico acquires Dutch aircraft parts manufacturer [Miami Herald]
South Florida technology company Heico Corp. announced Tuesday that it had acquired the majority of Aeroworks International Holdings, which makes parts for aircraft interiors.
› Triathletes form business networking group [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A group of South Florida executives and business owners, who regularly train for, and participate in triathlons, have formed a professional networking group.
› Bill would prohibit Florida utilities from charging for fracking [Tampa Bay Times]
A bill filed in the state Legislature Tuesday would prohibit Florida utilities from charging customers for investment in fracking operations. In March, the PSC will decide on whether to allow FPL to expand the effort. Duke Energy has expressed interest in exploring similar proposals.
› Investor urges Staples to merge with Office Depot [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Activist investor Starboard Value LP has written a letter to Staples' CEO, urging a merger with Boca Raton-based Office Depot. The investor has about a 10 percent stake in Office Depot and about 5 percent in Staples.
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› Biscayne Pharmaceuticals closes $3.4 million funding round [South Florida Business Journal]
Miami biotechnology firm Biscayne Pharmaceuticals raised $3.4 million from private investors and from the state of Florida, CEO Sam Reich said.
› DOC secretary Julie Jones proposes round of reforms [Miami Herald]
On the defensive over allegations of abuse and cover up at the nation's third largest prison system, the newly-installed secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections is offering a series of reforms aimed at repairing the embattled department.
› World Fuel among 23 Fortune 500 firms with all-male boards [South Florida Business Journal]
Miami-based World Fuel Services Corp. is one of just 23 Fortune 500 companies with an all-male board of directors, according to Fortune.
› Jeff Brandes files bill to reduce taxes on solar power systems [Tampa Bay Times]
A St. Petersburg lawmaker announced Tuesday the filing of a bill that would reduce the taxes on solar power systems for businesses that install them at their facilities.