Tuesday's Daily Pulse
Florida's tourism gets a boost from a Brazilian invasion
"Oi -- Sejam bem-vindos!" -- meaning "Hi, welcome!" -- is a Portuguese phrase heard more and more these days at Florida's tourist spots.
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Floridian of the Year: BRAZIL
In a dreadful economy, Brazilian companies and entrepreneurs stood out for stepping up their investments in the state. Read the Feature: Brazil brings real benefit to Florida |
» Floridian of the Year: Brazil
Third of Florida's seniors have only Social Security to depend on
A third of Florida's nearly 3 million retirees, 65 and older, now rely entirely on Social Security, according to an analysis by AARP. "Folks have spent down their assets," said Jeff Johnson, AARP interim director in Florida. More Floridians are likely to end up only on Social Security than retirees in the rest of the country: A quarter of U.S. retirees, 65 and older, have only their monthly checks as income, Johnson said. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Senator wants to send Florida sports franchises a bill for $300 million
A state Senator is ready to send a bill for $300 million to a variety of sports franchises in Florida because he says they're breaking the law when it comes to accepting tax dollars. Sen. Mike Bennett is upset with about 20 sports franchises that receive state cash but don't open up their facilities to be used as homeless shelters, as required by law. Read more from WTSP and the Palm Beach Post.
Placing their bets
Poarch Band of Creek Indian business leaders and their Florida backers are betting that Creek Entertainment Gretna, which opened in Gadsden County in December with a poker room, barrel racing and plans for other equestrian events, will be a lucky play for them as well as the regional economy. Read more...
 The $20-million Creek Entertainment Gretna � which includes poker and barrel racing � opened last month. [Photo: Colin Hackley] |
Questions raised about Florida Progress nuke settlement
An advocacy group raised questions Monday about a wide-ranging settlement agreement that includes Progress Energy Florida continuing to charge customers for a proposed Levy County nuclear-power project. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Related:
» Group appeals to Florida Supreme Court in effort to block nuclear plant prepayment fees
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› After nearly 60 years, Disney to let theme-park workers grow beards [Orlando Sentinel]
After nearly 60 years, Mickey Mouse has decided to let his workers put their razors away.
The Walt Disney Co. announced Monday that it would let employees at its two U.S. theme-park resorts — including its more than 60,000 workers at Walt Disney World — grow beards or goatees.
› Orlando, Miami among hardest cities to find a job [Forbes]
Sunny Orlando, home to "the happiest place on Earth," might sound like the perfect place for a fresh start—but job seekers there would disagree. It turns out life is not a beach for job seekers in Miami, either. The cruise capital may have clean air, pure drinking water, and vast green spaces, but it doesn't have many openings.
› "Completely new relationship" for Jackson Health System, UM [Miami Herald]
Leaders of the Jackson Health System and the University of Miami are developing a plan that will dramatically alter their sometimes testy relationship by creating a clear dividing line between UM doctors who work at Jackson and those who work for UM's own health enterprise.
› Discouraged workers re-entering job market [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida's labor force grew to 9.23 million in December, about 4,000 higher than a month earlier, according to state data released Friday.
That's a signal some discouraged workers are re-entering the workforce, said Sean Snaith, economist for the University of Central Florida.
But 62 percent of Florida's unemployed are still workers who have lost jobs, according to a 12-month average ending in December, provided by the state.
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› NASA updates commercial crew plans [Florida Today]
NASA plans to begin soliciting proposals around Feb. 7 for a new round of funding to help develop commercial vehicles expected to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station later this decade, the agency said.
› Organizer Understands Plight of Migrant Worker [Lakeland Ledger]
Nilda Soto ended up in Polk County looking for a way out of the coffee bean fields of Puerto Rico and eventually found a career with the Polk County School District helping to better the lives of migrant farm workers.
› Broward faces unpopular choices to cut class sizes [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Facing a $66.1 million fine for overloaded classes, the Broward School Board will discuss Monday strategies for reducing class sizes that could include unpopular choices, such as co-teaching and putting more than one grade in a classroom.
The cash-strapped district also could pay teachers for picking up an extra class.
› Startups seeking funds find advice at entrepreneur summit [Florida Today]
Brevard County inventors and entrepreneurs still find that investors are cautious, but the improving national economy could help free up capital.
"Maybe because of being stung by the downturn of economic events, they've been more reluctant to support good companies," said Max Salinas of Space Age Garden, one of four presenters at Monday's entrepreneur summit convened by U.S. Rep. Bill Posey.
› Critics say 'parent trigger' bill favors charters over public schools
[Miami Herald]
Florida parents are taking sides over a controversial piece of legislation known as the parent trigger.
The buzzed-about bill would let a majority of parents at low-performing public schools demand dramatic changes at the school, or even have it converted into a publicly financed, privately managed charter school. Similar laws have already passed in California and Texas, sparking debate and controversy along the way.
› Port St. John power plant employment near peak [Florida Today]
Construction employment will peak soon at the $1.1 billion power plant being built in Port St. John.
In a presentation to Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce members, Florida Power & Light Co. director of construction Dave Santilli said about 650 people will be working to build the plant by April, up from the current 520.
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