Thursday's Daily Pulse
Florida's economy grows beyond trade and tourism
Targeted efforts in economic development are paying off for Florida, Wells Fargo economists said in a report Wednesday. Development has been focused on Florida's inherent strengths in financial services, health care, logistics and aerospace. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
» Download the full report, "Florida Economic Outlook: May 2016," here.
Citizens to stop insuring homes valued at $700,000 and up
After reducing its policy count by more than two-thirds over the past four years, state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. continued to shed its risk load by securing approval this week to drop 1,752 high-priced homes after their policies expire next year. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and see the statement from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
Gov. Scott: Prepare for Zika virus like it's a hurricane
Florida Governor Rick Scott says Washington must handle Zika as if it were a hurricane. Scott's office released a statement Wednesday about the spreading virus, and how he wants an increased federal response. Specifically, he is calling for more dollars from the federal government to combat the new threat. See Scott's statement here. Also read more at the AP and WDBO.
Military spouses face their own career challenges
Military spouses face unique challenges in finding employment. Long periods of single parenting during deployment make it challenging to balance full-time work and family duties, and they may be experiencing enormous stress if their loved one is deployed in a combat zone or isolated without access to regular communication. [Source: Florida Times-Union]
Amazon's business marketplace hits $1 billion in sales
Amazon.com Inc's business marketplace, which connects businesses with suppliers, has generated $1 billion in sales in its first year, making it a significant player in a fragmented industry worth more than $8.2 trillion in the United States. [Source: Reuters]
› Baseball to business: former big-league hurler now pitching business [Orlando Sentinel]
James Parr has been slinging fastballs to home plate since he was a kid. But on Wednesday, the 30-year-old former Major League Baseball player had something else to pitch: his business.
› Florida food banks brace for impact of SNAP changes [Gainesville Business Report]
Adding to the pressure of the job search, many unemployed Floridians risk losing an important safety net if they can’t find a job, enroll in school, or enter a job-training program. Florida is one of several states to reinstate time limits on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits.
› Why I-Drive is at the center of Central Florida's growth [Orlando Business Journal]
What's going to change the face of Central Florida in the next 10 years? International Drive. At least that's what four prominent local leaders think.
› Cuba cruisers find Tropicana still vibrant after all these years [Miami Herald]
Through dictatorship, the mob era, revolution and vast changes in Cuban society, one of the few institutions that have endured is the Tropicana cabaret.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› One of Florida's Republican Senate candidates isn't ready for Donald Trump [Tampa Bay Times]
After a victory in Indiana's presidential primary, Donald Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee, and party leaders are starting to fall in line behind him. Except for one of Florida's Republican Senate candidates. U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Indian Shores, isn't saying whether he'll vote for the real estate mogul. "I am undecided whether I will be supporting Mr. Trump in November," Jolly wrote.
› Developer revises $400 million expansion plan [South Florida Business Journal]
Whitman Family Development has altered and resubmitted plans for its $400 million expansion of Bal Harbour Shops following an April 13 vote that thwarted its previous proposal.
› Advice for female entrepreneurs in Tampa Bay from successful women in business [WFTS]
Whether you're thinking of starting a business or already have one, we can all use some expert advice. Female business owners can face unique challenges.
› Waning El Niño could yield miserable South Florida summer [Miami Herald]
On Wednesday, forecasters warned that heat in the region could come early, accompanied by high humidity. This winter’s near record El Niño should keep a lid on hurricanes early in the season, but as its strong windshear dies down, storms could increase during August.