Majority of Florida congressional delegation opposes health care plan

The Florida congressional delegation is comprised of 27 members: 11 Democrats and 16 Republicans. As of Wednesday, 15 of the 27 members in the delegation are voting against the Republican health care plan pushed by House Speaker Paul Ryan and President Donald Trump. [Source: WFTV]

See also:
» With GOP health care bill teetering, Florida Rep. Dennis Ross worries failure will splinter party

Florida existing home sales flatten

Florida's housing market continued to report a tight supply of homes for sale and rising median prices in February, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Sales of single-family homes statewide remained relatively flat last month, totaling 18,033, down only 0.5 percent compared to February 2016. See the report from Florida Realtors, here. Also read more at Builder.

See also:
» South Florida home sellers still in control as prices rise in February
» Mid-market sales still strong, but overall home sales in South Florida struggle
» Tight supply, higher prices weigh on U.S. home sales

Florida investigating whether grad rates were manipulated

Florida is investigating whether or not school districts are moving students around in order to manipulate graduation rates. News reports this year have detailed practices at schools, including those in Orlando, where students have been shifted from regular schools to alternative schools. [Source: AP]

Bankers wary of credit union bill in Florida Legislature

Bankers are closely watching bills that are making their way through the 2017 legislative session. At the top of the list for many is Senate Bill 1170, which would allow credit unions to become qualified public depositories if they meet certain requirements. “Our guys are totally against it,” said Anthony DiMarco, executive vice president of governmental affairs for the Florida Bankers Association. “To us, it’s ironic that they’re taking in tax money, and loaning it back out, when they don’t pay taxes.” [Source: Miami Today]

Your turn:
» Should credit unions in Florida be allowed to become qualified public depositories? (quick poll)

Puerto Rico warning Congress it's health crisis will impact states, including Florida

Puerto Rico is warning state and federal officials it is about to run out of Medicaid money, which will plunge it into a major health crisis, while Puerto Ricans in the U.S. have planned protests in several U.S. cities against a ordered austerity plan. [Source: NBC News]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Orlando-based Fattmerchant sets expansion in motion again [Orlando Sentinel]
Having already hired three new employees recently, Orlando-based payment-processing provider Fattmerchant announced that it had recently hired three new employees and plans to continue its growth this year.

› Florida bill banning steroids for greyhounds headed to House [AP]
Florida is home to 12 of 19 tracks in the United States and one of the few places where the use of steroids is permitted. It's banned in Great Britain and Australia, where the sport remains popular.

› Moran Institute of entrepreneurial training seeks nonprofit organizational leaders for classes [Florida Times-Union]
The institute was opened in Jacksonville in the fall by the Florida State University College of Business with the objective of training small business startup entrepreneurs on how to extend their reach in the business community.

› Kmart approaches final days in Sarasota [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
When Sebastian Spering Kresge opened his first store in 1899, his products sold for 5 and 10 cents. His stores, which evolved into what we know as Kmart in 1962, have long maintained a reputation for low prices. We're seeing that tenfold as the chain's only Sarasota store prepares to close.

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› Frost Museum of Science 96% complete, ticket cost queried [Miami Today]
Construction of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is 96% complete and the museum is preparing for a May 8 opening, Mayor Carlos Gimenez reported Tuesday to the Miami-Dade County Commission.

› St. Lucie area manufacturing makes gains, set for new growth [TCPalm]
The St. Lucie County manufacturing industry is poised for new growth, according to a report from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).

› Saint Leo University Poll: U.S. voters divided more than ever [Saint Leo]
The United States is a country divided, according to a recent survey by the Saint Leo University Polling Institute. The nonpartisan poll shows 82.1 percent of respondents agree the nation is more divided than ever before following a contentious presidential election and the installation of a new administration.

› South Florida hotels' growth lags in busiest months [South Florida Business Journal]
South Florida's hotels were generally less full and charging less this winter compared to the same period last year, according to a new report by STR, a data and analytics company.