Friday's Daily Pulse
Gov. Scott wants $250 million to lure businesses to Florida
Gov. Rick Scott called on Florida legislators Thursday to set aside $250 million in the next state budget for economic incentive programs, an idea that could face resistance from some of his fellow Republicans in the Senate. More from the Tampa Bay Times, Florida Politics, and WJXT.
Related, from Florida Trend:
» Making a case for Enterprise Florida
US, Cuba find something to agree on: protecting sharks
Cuba and the United States, it is safe to say, have not always been the friendliest of neighbors. But a recent plan to preserve Cuba’s shark population has brought the longtime rivals together. [Source: Christian Science Monitor]
Florida Supreme Court rules in favor of solar power ballot language
A constitutional amendment that supporters say could pave the way for more solar energy in Florida cleared a key legal hurdle on Thursday in its bid to get on the ballot for the 2016 election cycle. More from the Tampa Bay Times, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and the LA Times.
US home sales rebound in September after August slump
Buying activity rebounded after slipping in August, indicating that demand for housing continues despite a series of recent economic hits: stock market declines, falling factory orders, a slowdown in China, struggles in emerging nations such as Brazil and Turkey, and stagnation in Europe. [Source: AP]
Column: Why tech startups should incorporate in Florida
The reality is that across the 50 states, Florida stands among only a handful of states that enable tech entrepreneurs to quickly, easily and inexpensively form companies. In Florida you form a company immediately and receive a confirmation by email the next business day. [Source: Miami Herald]
› Bear hunt proves a big boon to wildlife commission's coffers [Tampa Bay Times]
Despite the ongoing controversy over the state wildlife commission's decision to allow the hunting of bears for the first time since 1994, one thing is clear: The license sales have been a huge financial boon for the agency.
› Where Florida ranks on Forbes ‘best states for businesses’ [Tampa Bay Business Journal]
Scoring high marks for growth prospects, but much lower marks for quality of life and business costs, Florida comes in about the middle of the pack in Forbes’ new “Best States for Businesses and Careers” list.
› Port, rail and highways change where businesses grow [Jacksonville Daily Record]
Transportation assets are the biggest local force driving change in commercial real estate in Northeast Florida, said Colin Nicholson, president of CBC Benchmark in Jacksonville.
› Voxx to begin full production in Lake Nona in January [Orlando Sentinel]
Car electronics manufacturer Voxx International will begin full production at its new Lake Nona plant in January.
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› Magic Leap close to receiving a $1 billion funding round, sources say [South Florida Business Journal]
Dania Beach startup Magic Leap is close to inking a $1 billion financing round, two sources close to the deal told the South Florida Business Journal.
› Golf courses head closer to becoming housing [Orlando Sentinel]
Some Central Florida developers are ramping up plans to carve up fairways, greens and clubhouses so new houses and apartments can be built where golf carts once roamed.
› WeWork co-founder reflects on Miami market, company vision [Miami Herald]
As WeWork officially celebrates the opening of its first South Florida location in Miami Beach, the New York-based co-working company has already put plans into motion for several more centers in the greater Miami area.
› After Low Enrollment, U. of Florida Cancels Online Partnership With Pearson [Chronicle of Higher Education]
The University of Florida is canceling its contract with Pearson Embanet to administer its online degree-granting arm, UF Online, after attracting low enrollment.