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Monday's Daily Pulse

Extended slump in oil taking toll on industry, economy

Low oil and gas prices are good for the overall economy because they reduce costs for consumers and businesses. But with oil prices down around 50 percent from last year, major oil companies are cutting back, offsetting some of this good news. [Source: AP]

See also:
» Gas prices fall at fastest rate since January

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Florida's high tech corridor

Florida Citrus Chart

Defense. Communications. Photonics. Research. There are now nearly 20,000 high-tech companies along Florida’s I-4 Corridor, from Tech Data in St. Petersburg to Harris Corp. in Melbourne. Access full story.

Being a Florida lawmaker a path to wealth for many

In the wake of the Great Recession, which left the average Florida family struggling to make ends meet, at least one group of people continues to get richer: It pays to be elected to the state House or Senate. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Boating options grow — even without owning a boat

Boat clubs are expanding, offering members access to their club fleet for a one-time charge to join and monthly fees. Plus, new boat-sharing websites now let consumers take out privately owned boats, with or without captains, much like renting out private homes through Airbnb. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Florida parks' revenue all about 'location, location, location'

Popularity and revenue among Florida's more than 160 state parks vary enormously. Some net no cash and some barely bring in enough for the light bill. Others, especially where visitors can wiggle their toes in ocean beaches, are cash cows with cabins that cost more than many hotel rooms. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Fight ensues over purchase of state conservation land
Another constitutional fight involving the Florida Legislature will be revving up this week. The issue is whether House and Senate members followed the requirements of a newly approved state constitutional amendment supporting environmental programs.

› Soaring Sky gets FAA approval for drone use
A Fort Myers business may be the first in Southwest Florida to get approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly drones commercially.

› Consumer confidence of Floridians dipped slightly in July
Consumer confidence in Florida is dipping slightly. The monthly University of Florida consumer sentiment survey released Friday fell less than a point from June.
» See also: Overall Florida consumer sentiment ticks down in July, although many say they are better off than last year

› Five questions with Dave Seleski about Stonegate Bank and Cuba
Dave Seleski has long been a history buff. Now he's making history as a banker helping to normalize commercial relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Two groups propose Port Canaveral Cove development
Mike Shah says he is trying to transfer his vision for Port Canaveral's Cove district into reality. Shah, a petroleum distribution company executive, is partnering with longtime family friends to develop what they are referring to as a "Waterfront Village" that would include restaurants and retailers.

› Univita companies to lay off 1,002 after losing Medicaid contract
Just over 1,000 workers are being laid off after Univita of Florida abruptly told insurers this week that it would no longer provide home care products to Medicaid patients in the state.

› An island of home ownership
The portion of Americans who own their homes has fallen to the lowest in half a century, as more consumers opt to rent rather than buy. But in Southwest Florida, owning a home continues to represent the American dream.

› With possible date change for 2016 Grand Prix, St. Petersburg businesses are adjusting
Local special events don't get much louder or bigger than the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. So any hint that the IndyCar race series plans on shifting its dates around, even if it's only by a couple of weeks, is sure to get noticed.