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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida construction worker shortage tightens
Construction companies around the nation, including Florida, are having more trouble hiring skilled labor, and the problem is expected to get worse over the next year, a new survey said. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Florida added fewer jobs in August than last year
Florida added 15,100 private sector jobs in August, down from 17,900 jobs in the same month a year ago, according to payroll firm ADP's monthly regional employment report. The largest number of jobs — 3,700 — were in trade, transportation and utilities, which includes retail jobs. The report from ADP is here. Also read more at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida's 'lawsuit climate' hits all-time low
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's annual state-by-state survey of corporate lawyers finds that Florida's lawsuit climate is at an all-time low, at number 44 among the 50 states. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
See also:
» The 2015 Ranking the States Lawsuit Climate Report
» U.S. Chamber: Miami-Dade one of worst areas in country for lawsuits
Will slumping Canadian economy keep snowbirds away from Florida this winter?
Some economists worry that the usual influx of Canadians — who own property here, spend weeks in seaside vacation rentals and camp out in RVs across the state — may rethink their travel plans this year as their economy slumps and the U.S. dollar remains strong. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Justice Dept. encourages prosecutions of corporate execs
The new policies come amid persistent criticism that the Justice Department, even while negotiating multi-billion-dollar settlements with large banks, has not been aggressive enough in prosecuting individuals for financial misconduct — including after the mortgage crisis that devastated the U.S. economy. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
› Business leaders are bullish on Sarasota County
Corporate executives are bullish on the Sarasota County business climate and remain optimistic about the region’s future, a new survey shows.
› Legislature asks court to dismiss Amendment 1 lawsuit
The Florida Legislature has filed a motion asking a trial judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by environmental groups that alleged the House and Senate misappropriated $237 million in Amendment 1 spending in the new state budget.
› What's the latest on Florida's Best and Brightest bonus?
The Florida Department of Education has reversed course on the use of school transcripts to demonstrate their eligibility for the controversial Best and Brightest teacher bonus.
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› 'Stories of Service' initiative honors military veterans
Florida public TV and radio stations are complementing the national public media initiative launched last year by developing local programs and activities specific to the needs of veterans and military families who live in the areas they serve.
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