Tuesday's Daily Pulse

Posted 3/14/2017

Updated 7 yearss ago

More evidence that Florida's tourism industry could be at risk

Evidence of a “Trump Slump” in international tourism to the United States appears to mount. With it, concern in Florida that if the trend continues, the state’s top industry and one of its major tax revenue sources may be a risk. See the report from the U.S. Travel Association, here. Also read more at WTSP and CBS News.

Florida small business defaults fall in January

In January 2017, the percentage of Florida's small businesses defaulting on existing loans has improved, despite default rates in 10 of the 18 major industries rising in the state, according to data published by PayNet. See the report here.

Florida-based Silver Airways cuts service to Cuba

Silver Airways says it has dropped its service to Cuba because larger airlines are oversupplying the new market, making it too unprofitable for the Florida-based regional airline to keep flying. More from the AP and the Miami Herald.

Justice Department announces $8.5 million grant for Pulse victims, social services

The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday announced an $8.5 million anti-terrorism grant to help people affected by the Pulse nightclub massacre. It was not immediately clear how the money would be distributed, how much had already been spent and what new services it would cover. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Funding needed to preserve and protect Florida agriculture

Florida cattle farmers and the Florida Conservation Group are advocating for more funding of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) and the Florida Forever program. RFLPP is an Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. Its mission is the protection of agricultural lands. [Source: Southeast AgNet]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Group seeking voting rights for ex-felons to file lawsuit against Gov. Scott [Orlando Sentinel]
The Fair Elections Legal Network, based in Washington, D.C., claims the method Florida uses to grant clemency to former felons is unconstitutional and wants voting rights restored to seven plaintiffs immediately.

› State film promotion office asks for public support [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
A Florida Office of Film and Entertainment email blast is asking for public support to oppose an effort in the state Legislature to cut its funding.

› Tech firm with space ties aims to give Titusville boost [Florida Today]
A technology company with ties to the space industry says it hopes to help establish Titusville as "the Silicon Valley of Space 2.0." As part of that effort, the unidentified Denver-based company plans to open research-and-development offices in the heart of downtown Titusville.

› Jacksonville leaders turn attention to human trafficking, supporting victims [Florida Times-Union]
With the battle to pass the city’s extended Human Rights Ordinance in the past and a new top prosecutor in office, a group of Jacksonville’s elected leaders is now turning its attention to fighting human trafficking.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Medical office building to break ground in Fort Lauderdale [South Florida Business Journal]
Cypress Creek Medical Pavilion is slated to break ground with 82,000 square feet of medical office space, including a new ambulatory surgery center.

Community Portrait of

A look at the economies, quality of life and demographics of Polk County, including Lakeland and Winter Haven. This sponsored report includes key sectors like banking, healthcare, tourism, real estate and education. Plus, a compendium of notable firms and key contacts. Read it in full, here.

› Gator alums debut new Nat Geo WILD show [UF News]
Crossing the country in a retired ambulance, the Gator grads behind a new Nat Geo WILD series hope to get viewers hooked on nature

› Hertz expands services overseas [Business Observer]
Hertz Europe has partnered with a professional driver services company to offer ground transportation that will complement its car rental business. Estero-based Hertz will offer the service through Blacklane.

› Spring breakers bring large crowds to South Florida beaches [WPLG]
South Florida's beaches were tame Monday morning, but the first wave of spring breakers arrived in Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale over the weekend, bringing in big crowds.