Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Thursday's Daily Pulse

Florida’s summer plus travel to Olympics could mean “perfect storm” for Zika

As Zika virus, now a pandemic, spreads across Latin America and into South Florida, experts warn that summertime travel to the Olympic games in Brazil could create conditions for more cases of the mosquito-borne illness. More from the Miami Herald and AFP.

Related:
» Viral cousins
» Congress Goes Home for Easter Break Without Paying for Zika Fight

Gov. Rick Scott settles on top contender for Florida insurance commissioner

Scott's office recommended the Florida Cabinet conduct a final public interview with just one of 55 candidates who applied to be the next insurance commissioner. Scott's office proposed that Cabinet interview only Jeffrey Bragg, a former top insurance official in both the Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush administration. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Average person to spend $146 on Easter and spring

With spring comes good weather, happier faces and looser wallets, says the Florida Retail Federation. The retail trade group expects consumers to spend record-high amounts this weekend on Easter and seasonal personal items. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

US faces rising tide of climate change refugees

A study of US counties vulnerable to sea level rise warns that if the coasts are not protected, the movement of people could match the scale of the 20th-century “Great Migration” of African-Americans from the south to the northern states. [Source: Climate Home]

Fed Chair Yellen has a mini revolt on her hands

Four of the 17 members of the Federal Open Market Committee have now publicly indicated their disagreement with the dovish guidance in last week's policy statement and in comments from Fed Chair Janet Yellen at her press conference. [Source: CNBC]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Port Canaveral awards $25M cruise terminal upgrade contract
Port Canaveral commissioners have selected Orlando-based H.J. High Construction Co. to oversee the renovation of Cruise Terminal 10, a project worth more than $25 million.

› Sarasota firm plans $500M offering
Grain Management LLC, a Sarasota-based private equity firm that also owns and operates wireless towers and related infrastructure across North America, seeks to raise $500 million.

› One Spark competitors cut to 66
One Spark has narrowed its applicants to the final list of creators who will line Laura Street during the event. Spokeswoman Kristen Sell said 70 creators were chosen from the 190 applicants and 66 of those accepted.

› Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show starts Thursday
The 25th annual Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County will run Thursday through Sunday at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

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› OIA sees double-digit passenger growth in January
Keeping pace with passenger growth from the last several months, Orlando International Airport ended January with a nearly 12.6 percent increase in travelers compared to a year earlier.

› More legroom? Fewer surprise fees? Wave of consumer-friendly legislation gives travelers new hope.
An unprecedented number of pro-consumer laws have been introduced in Congress in the past month, giving travelers hope that their next trip could be better than the last - smoother, more comfortable and with fewer surprise fees.

› Pot pies, piadina push Olive Garden's boundaries
Olive Garden added pot pies to its menus this month for a limited time, joining some new items such as stuffed meatballs and piadina, an Italian street food that closely resembles a quesadilla.

› Panama City Beach businesses suffering: New laws blamed
Businesses large and small are reporting declines in sales in a wide range of jobs, and not all directly tied to the service industry. Everything from maid services to laundries to taxi companies are reporting sharp drops in business.