March 28, 2024

Friday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/21/2012

Florida poised for growth -- if we don’t fall off the fiscal cliff

The number 13 could be lucky for Florida’s economy should the nation avoid slipping into a new recession. The new year – 2013 – has all the signs indicative of increasing momentum for Florida’s economy with housing starts growing, employment improving and the state’s population growth continuing to fuel the state’s economy, said University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith. Read more at UCF and the Orlando Business Journal.


Cuba lashes out against U.S. fines on foreign banks

The Cuban government Thursday denounced what it called the “unjust and illegal” multi-million dollar fines the U.S. government slapped on two foreign banks for violating Washington’s sanctions on the island. The U.S. actions show that its “ferocious persecution of financial and commercial transactions by Cuba and those with legitimate relations … has only changed but has hardened,” a Foreign Ministry official said in a statement. [Source: Miami Herald]


Florida justices limit private doctor-lawyer talks

Malpractice defendants must not try to circumvent a Florida law that bars them from obtaining confidential medical information about plaintiffs from other doctors or dentists who are treating them, the state Supreme Court said in a ruling Thursday. [Source: AP]


Home sale numbers and prices continue to rise

Home sales in Florida and across the nation bucked the traditional holiday slowdown in November, with a tight supply and shrinking foreclosure rates also giving way to higher prices. More from the Sarasota Herald Tribune, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Miami Herald and the Gainesville Sun.


Holiday travelers will get a mix of good and bad news

As the Christmas holiday season hits its stride, travelers will be greeted by good and bad news. The bad news is that a winter snowstorm is pounding the Midwest, interrupting plans for thousands of travelers. The good news is that anyone foregoing planes and traveling by highway will see the lowest gas prices in several months. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]


ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› 'Tough love' approach for new men's shelter sparks controversy
When plans for a new 250-bed men's shelter at the Coalition for the Homeless were announced in May 2010, the place was envisioned as a "beacon of hope" for those struggling to find their way back from the streets. But at the moment, the $6.6 million facility under construction in Orlando has become more of a beacon of controversy.

› South Florida now has 200 LEED projects
South Florida now has at least 200 building projects that have been certified under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it is the most common measuring stick for progressive builders and property managers attempting to conserve resources and energy.

› Some businesses say 'Bah, Humbug' to holiday parties, bonuses
Not quite half of Florida businesses surveyed are saying, "Bah, Humbug!" to holiday parties and bonuses because they're not optimistic after President Obama's re-election.

› Bill to tax online sales not gaining momentum
'Tis the season for online shopping, but in the frenzy to find the perfect gift Floridians could unwittingly be breaking the law. A 2011 report found the state was unable to capture between $450 million and $454 million in sales tax revenue because of online sales.


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Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

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