Monday's Daily Pulse
At legislative midpoint, a health care chasm
Lawmakers hit the midpoint of their 60-day session on Wednesday in one of the most contentious sessions in recent history. Although Gov. Rick Scott and Republican leaders who control the House and Senate are in general agreement on the major issues, they face some fundamental differences as they try to navigate the final month of the annual session. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
See also:
» Major issues at legislative halfway mark
» Despite business opposition, Florida Senate taking up pension reform
» Lawmakers seek to revamp Florida’s jobs incentive programs
» Buy American: Florida bill requires US-made flags
» In Tallahassee, there's a low-profile push for child welfare
» A Florida father's fight to turn pool tragedy into legislation
Consumer confidence in Florida reaches 10 year high
Consumer confidence among Floridians is at its highest level in ten years. The monthly University of Florida consumer sentiment survey released Friday rose more than three points point from last month. More from the Gainesville Sun and UF News.
Can Florida hemp be a cash crop?
Organic hemp seeds, considered a health food by some, sell for $17 per pound at the grocery store. Most are imported from Canada, since growing hemp is illegal under U.S. law. But it could be legalized under a bill that the Florida Legislature is considering this year. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Florida taxpayers pay ranchers millions to hold water back from Lake Okeechobee
For generations, Florida's farmers and ranchers have used their land to grow oranges, sugar, tomatoes and beef cattle, among other things. But now they've added a highly profitable new crop: Water. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
In today’s short media cycles, it is more important than ever to manage your message. PR professionals are masters of pointing out the silver lining to an incident. Sometimes though, this can do more harm to your agency’s reputation than good. [Source: Gainesville Business Report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Auto dealers seek to lure more customers for service [Orlando Sentinel]
Auto dealerships are looking for ways to make it more pleasant to bring in your car for service. Besides nicer waiting areas, many are expanding service hours. Some are seeking staff with backgrounds in hospitality.
› Central Florida cities ask: Where are our restaurants? [Orlando Sentinel]
Despite Central Florida's obsession with dining, some bedroom communities are still struggling to attract the full-service restaurants that residents want. Cities such as Oviedo and Apopka are left behind because they can be off the beaten track and lack places where people work.
› In a digital world, Pinellas tourism prints its own magazine [Tampa Bay Times]
Pinellas County uses all the ephemeral tools of modern marketing — targeted Web ads, social media, viral content — to attract tourists. Now Pinellas wants to attract visitors with something old-fashioned, something they can actually hold in their hands: It's called a magazine.
› Grand Prix praised as 'beautiful' St. Petersburg tradition [Tampa Bay Times]
After over a decade, the IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has become part of the fabric of the city. Sunday's 110-lap race marked the sport's season opener.
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› Major shakeups in Jacksonville TV news redefining financial landscape of broadcasters [Florida Times-Union]
The Jacksonville local television news market may be in its most competitive state ever, if not in its most transformational state in its history.
› New boss wants to raise profile of Central Florida Zoo [Orlando Sentinel]
Philip Flynn said one of his main goals will be to raise the zoo's profile, not just in Seminole County, but across the region. "Our mission is going to be: How do we let people know that we're here? How do we let people know that we are about education, conservation and inspiration?"
› Florida strawberries to be sold at Puerto Rican stores [AP]
Florida is partnering with 41 Walmart and Amigo stores in Puerto Rico to sell its strawberries. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced a trade mission with the stores this week.
› UF Online struggling to meet enrollment expectations [Gainesville Sun]
A year after its launch, fewer than 1,000 students — about 11 percent of them freshmen — are enrolled in UF Online, the four-year bachelor's degree program the university was charged by the Legislature to create.