Florida's 'Greater Recession' receding

While America experienced the Great Recession, Florida had the “Greater Recession” — an economic downturn that lasted longer and was more severe than the rest of the nation. However, in his second-quarter forecast for Florida and its major metros, economist Sean Snaith says the state is speeding away from that extended period of economic malaise. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Orlando Business Journal and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Florida's biggest brands

According to a Brand Finance, Florida ranked 18th by total brand value in the U.S. Publix is the largest brand in the state, followed by Royal Caribbean International, CSX and others. 16 Florida brands made Brand Finance's "U.S. 500" this year. See the report of top brands in Florida and find out which companies made the Top 10 list.

Airlines want smaller carry-on bags to free up overhead bins

Millions of fliers might soon need to buy new carry-on suitcases. Global airlines announced Tuesday new guidelines that would shrink the size of bags allowed on planes, part of an effort to free up space in packed overhead bins. [Source: AP]

Things to watch today in the special session

Today marks the halfway point for the special session. Look for the next round of budget negotiations between the appropriations chairs, Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O'Lakes, and Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon. Meanwhile, the House and Senate will consider the remaining health care reform proposals they've agreed to take up in the special session. More at the Tampa Bay Times and the Orlando Sentinel.

How Cuba gets its American TV fix

Broadcasts of American television tend to travel slowly to Cuba, like letters floating in bottles across the Straits of Florida. Cubans watch American sports and other TV offerings by buying a package of digital files from sellers who compile the content on their computers. [Source: Wall Street Journal]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida regulators weigh FPL natural-gas projects [Orlando Sentinel]
After a controversial decision to approve an investment in an Oklahoma drilling project, state regulators next week will consider how to handle future Florida Power & Light proposals to invest in natural-gas production.

› Cape must compete for commercial space business [Florida Today]
Cape Canaveral must continue to adapt to attract emerging commercial space businesses, or else watch them choose to launch from other states, Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello said Tuesday.

› Feds: no need for mediation in Scott's Medicaid lawsuit [AP]
The Obama administration says there's no need for a judge to order mediation as Gov. Rick Scott requested because they've been engaged in ongoing discussions with Florida.

› Florida dog-friendly tourism campaign unleashed [Fort Myers News-Press]
Visit Florida unleashed a new initiative Tuesday to promote Florida as one of the dog-friendliest locales in the world. Key features include a new microsite, the hashtag #DogsLoveFL, and a Pet Pix Photo Contest.

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› Florida company hires person to build synthetic, human bodies [Bradenton Herald]
A Tampa company specializing in building synthetic humans hired an employee who will focus solely on working with real humans. SynDaver Labs manufactures synthetic humans for training in schools, hospitals and military installations.

› 4 Things Successful Small-Business Owners Do Every Morning [Huffington Post]
The saying goes that the early bird gets the worm. But success isn’t as simple as waking up before everyone else. It’s about what you do -- or don’t do -- in those first hours of the day.

› Libraries need support to keep up with the digital age [Miami Herald]
Miami-Dade County needs to find a way — despite budget constraints — to fully support public libraries and help them reinvent themselves to keep up with the digital age, advocates said at a gathering Monday.

› University Town Center national example of mall evolution [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The Mall at University Town Center got some national attention through CNBC, part of the continuing discussion about whether the traditional mall concept is dead -- or simply evolving.