Florida rated best place to live

Florida is back on top as the most desirable state to live in. The Harris Poll, released Wednesday, last placed the Sunshine State first in 2001. For the U.S. adults polled, it's all about the beach and living on the water. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, NBC Miami, and the Financial.

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» The Harris Poll results

U.S., Cuba reach understanding on restoring commercial flights

The diplomatic advance helps open the way for U.S. airlines to begin flying to Cuba within months in what would be the biggest business deal struck as the two countries try to normalize relations. [Source: AP]

U.S. poised to export oil for first time in 40+ years

The U.S., seemingly awash in crude oil after an energy boom sent thousands of workers scurrying to the plains of Texas and North Dakota, will begin exporting oil for the first time since the 1973 oil embargo. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Put Fido on Santa's list, as holiday pet spending soars

Owners across Florida are showing love for their pets this holiday season by shelling out big bucks on toys and treats. A poll from Saint Leo University north of Tampa says that Floridians will spend about $121 apiece on their pets, 22 percent higher than the national average. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

U.S. destinations feeling chill from low loonie, weakened Canadian economy

Canadians are likely thinking twice about forays to top destinations in Florida, Arizona, California and Texas this winter given the Canadian dollar is expected to drop even further. [Source: Financial Post]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› No deal in Staples-Office Depot merger, parties tell court [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Lawyers for Staples and Office Depot have not been able to agree with regulators on a deal to let their $6.3 billion merger proceed, according to a status report filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court.

› Outsourcing giant gets a bit bigger [Business Observer]
Oasis Outsourcing, the nation’s largest privately held professional employer organization, has merged with Tampa-based A1HR. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but A1HR will become a new division of West Palm Beach-based Oasis.

› Medicare Penalizes 29 Florida Hospitals For Safety Incidents [Health News Florida]
The federal government is penalizing 758 hospitals with higher rates of patient safety incidents, and more than half of those places had also been fined last year, Medicare records released late Wednesday show.

› Miami is toughest place to rent in U.S. [Miami Herald]
Rising rents cut into Miami paychecks like no other city. Two in three Miami renters pay 30 percent or more of their salaries to their landlords, making them “cost burdened,” according to a new study from real estate website Apartment List.
» See also: More bad news for renters

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› Showroom Logic chooses Miami as headquarters [Miami Herald]
Showroom Logic recently decided to consolidate operations and name Miami as its headquarters over Texas, Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced this week. Showroom Logic has created 58 new jobs in the past two years and currently employees 74 in Miami.

› Aviation parts maker Heico reports record profits and sales [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
South Florida's Heico Corp., which makes parts for planes and aviation equipment, reported record profits and record sales for its latest quarter and budget year.

› Florida civil fine proposal could keep marijuana users out of jail [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
A bill that could keep Florida marijuana users out of the criminal justice system is making its way through the Florida legislative system, law enforcement officials learned Tuesday at a law-and-order conference held in Sarasota by the Florida Smart Justice Alliance.

› Port Canaveral looks to expand cargo facilities [Florida Today]
Port Canaveral staff will continue to study potential deals in Cocoa and Titusville to expand port cargo facilities. But port commissioners cautioned Wednesday that they want a clear business case for making the deals before they will approve them.