Private equity deals poised for takeoff in Florida

Florida is the headquarters for 37 private equity firms, up from 27 firms in 2010. The expanded presence of private equity investors in the state is a positive sign, because funders often prefer to be close to the companies in which they invest. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]

Related, from Business Florida:
» A list of Florida's major venture capital firms and select angel funds

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Florida Trend Exclusive
An exit interview with Gray Swoope

Gray Swoope, former CEO of Enterprise Florida, talks about his relationship with the Legislature, his biggest accomplishment and Florida’s progress on attracting businesses. Swoope offers his take on who Florida's biggest competitors are when it comes to attracting business. Access full story.

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Exile support for Obama's Cuba policy on the rise

A poll of Cuban-Americans shows support for the White House's new Cuba policy has risen in the three months since it was announced, with 51 percent now in favor of closer engagement with Cuba, up from 44 percent in December. [Source: Reuters]

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Manufacturing on the Rise in Florida

When one thinks of business in Florida, most think of tourism—amusement parks, fishing, golf, and beaches—or Florida’s world-famous citrus agriculture—oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries. Perhaps Florida’s best kept secret: Florida’s manufacturing sector is surging forward. [Source: National Law Review]

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Opinion: A new approach to networking, wellbeing

There’s a burgeoning socially-conscious community in South Florida building various types of altruistic infrastructure — from mindful businesses, to philanthropic initiatives and resources supporting integrated, expansive approaches to wellbeing. [Source: Miami Herald]

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida made body armor saves Illinois officer [Gainesville Sun]
Phalanx Defense Systems, a Gainesville-based body armor manufacturer, recently tallied its first save when its gear prevented an Illinois police officer from receiving more serious injuries from a shotgun slug.

› 1 Hotels offering 11 percent discount — for 11 years [Miami Herald]
1 Hotels, an eco-focused brand that just opened its first property in Miami Beach, is offering a long-term discount for people who sign up for email updates through late Thursday.

› Feds suspending health care talks with Florida legislators [AP]
Florida officials say the federal government is suspending negotiations over the potential loss of more than $1 billion in money now flowing to the state's hospitals.

› State economic leader praises Florida ports [Panama City News Herald]
Port Panama City is poised for major growth in the coming years as state officials increase their pitches to convince companies to use it, Florida Secretary of Commerce Bill Johnson said Wednesday.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Tampa Bay startup, tech execs seek cash and critiques at Jacksonville crowdfund festival [Tampa Bay Business Journal]
For four days, Matt Spaulding and his team will occupy one the tallest buildings in downtown Jacksonville to explain their app to passersby. Their goal: 100 pitches.

› Caregivers to benefit from central hub of resources, support [Orlando Sentinel]
Today, an assortment of organizations seek to connect Central Florida's share of care providers with resources, in an effort to mitigate the potential stressors of caregiving.

› Keys lead in South Florida hotel rates, occupancy [KeysNet]
The price of a South Florida vacation has never been higher. The higher prices came as the U.S. economy continued to improve, gas prices stayed low and unemployment dipped to pre-recession levels.

› Orlando unveils new 'clean' garbage trucks [Orlando Sentinel]
While it may not be the first word that comes to mind when describing a vehicle built to haul trash, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Tuesday unveiled five "clean" garbage trucks.