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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
U.S. Congress to vote on breakthrough fiscal deal
U.S. Senate leaders struck a bipartisan 11th-hour deal to break the fiscal impasse on Wednesday, and the Republican-led House of Representatives agreed to take it up as Congress moved to avert a historic debt default. The agreement is essentially what has been talked about for days: the government would be financed at tight levels through Jan. 15, reflecting across-the-board spending cuts that went into effect in March. The debt ceiling would be raised into February, and negotiators would be required to complete work on a detailed budget plan for the next decade by Dec. 13. More at Reuters, the New York Times and AP.
Business goes down the drain without sewers
Areas without sewer connections in commercial zones are flushing away potential property tax revenue they would create with the right infrastructure, would-be investors say. Sewer systems would mean more buildings, investment, jobs, tax revenue – all the pieces needed to grow an economic base. More at Miami Today.
Orlando airport to consider $1.1B expansion plan
Orlando International Airport leaders are expected to launch a $1.1 billion expansion today that would help pay for a new train depot, people mover, garage and a rebuilt airside. The work would be paid for through ticket fees, loans and a combination of state and federal tax money. More at the Orlando Sentinel.
Scott tightens in polls vs. Crist
Gov. Rick Scott has generally trailed Charlie Crist by double digits in polls for the next governor's race, but is trailing by just 5 percentage points in a new Florida Chamber of Commerce poll. The poll shows Crist leading by 46 percent vs. 41 percent for Scott with a five percentage point margin of error. More at the South Florida Business Journal.
Businesses near Everglades National Park feel economic pinch
Last year at this time, the hubbub of travelers staying at the Everglades International Hostel and the nonstop ringing of the phone with future patrons on the other line making reservations enlivened the Florida City inn. But this year, things are quiet. More at the Miami Herald.
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