Thursday's Daily Pulse

Posted 8/31/2017

Updated 7 yearss ago

Private companies drive 'new space race' at NASA center

For the first time since the retirement of the space shuttle in 2011, NASA says it may soon have the capability to send astronauts to the International Space Station from U.S. soil. Boeing and SpaceX, NASA's commercial partners, must demonstrate their systems are ready to begin regular flights to the space station. SpaceX's first flight test is scheduled for February. Boeing's is scheduled for June. [Source: AP]

State surpasses jobs milestone in construction industry

A new report from the Associated General Contractors of America shows that Florida added 36,700 construction jobs in July over last year, a gain of 7.5 percent. With the gain, the state surpassed a half-million construction jobs, and now has 520,200 positions on payrolls. Full story here.

Turkish boat builder Sirena Yachts launches U.S. headquarters in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, long regarded in the maritime community as the yachting capital of the world, is adding to its international clout with the entry of another foreign boat manufacturer. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

On the heels of Hurricane Harvey, Tropical Storm Irma forms in Atlantic

For a nation reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, on Wednesday came some unwelcome news: Another possible threat was brewing. Tropical Storm Irma has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean, the National Hurricane Center said. More from USA Today and the Miami Herald.

Florida's Movers & Influencers
See some of Florida's top executive moves, board appointments, civic accomplishments, and more at Florida Trend's Movers & Influencers. Each profile appears in three places: in a weekly eNewsletter, online at FloridaTrend.com and in a monthly print issue of Florida Trend. Read more here.

Florida Dems call for special session to replace Confederate statue in Capitol

Democrats in the House’s Florida delegation urged Gov. Rick Scott (R) on Wednesday to call a special state legislative session to replace a Confederate statue in the Capitol complex. More from The Hill and the Miami Herald.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Could Hurricane Harvey impact South Florida’s homeowner insurance rates? [Miami Herald]
Hurricane Harvey’s devastating property damage toll will easily be counted in the billions of dollars, but insurance industry experts say they shouldn’t have an impact on property insurance rates in hurricane-prone Florida.

› Port Everglades Chief Executive/Port Director Steven Cernak elected Chairman of the Florida Ports Council [News Release]
At the Florida Ports Council Annual Board Meeting Thursday, Port Everglades Chief Executive/Port Director Steven Cernak was elected chairman. Port Tampa Bay Director Paul Anderson’s term ended as of this meeting.

› UF braces for legal battle as white nationalist Richard Spencer hires counsel [Tampa Bay Times]
Two weeks after being denied his request to speak at the University of Florida, white nationalist Richard Spencer has notified UF that he has legal counsel and is preparing to fight.

› Medical destination market: the rules are different in Miami [Miami Today]
While Miami has made a science of marketing its world-class beaches, hotels and retail locations, promoting Miami as a medical destination for tourists has a different set of rules.

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› How Southeastern Grocers CEO Anthony Hucker is leading the company forward [Jacksonville Daily Record]
Hucker is the eighth CEO since 1965 to run a company that can trace its Jacksonville roots to the former Winn-Dixie Stores Inc.

› Specialty crop growers outline goals for NAFTA renegotiation [Fresh Plaza]
In the months leading up to the July release of NAFTA trade negotiation objectives by the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) office, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) and other industry groups worked to highlight the impact on Florida growers of cheap imports of fresh fruits and vegetables under NAFTA.

› Gov. Scott, Visit Florida CEO rally tourism professionals at Hollywood conference [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Even though Florida enjoyed record visitor arrivals during the first half of 2017, tourism professionals know the job of attracting new and repeat visitors is an ongoing effort.

› Sarasota food bank among those benefiting from Publix’s $5 million initiative [Bradenton]
Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Charities announced a $5 million initiative to fight hunger throughout the Southeast, including a $150,000 donation to the All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota.