March 28, 2024

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 6/14/2017

Gov. Scott to approve pay raise bill for state workers

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is going to approve a pay raise for state employees. Scott will sign a bill Wednesday that includes $183 million that will be used to offer varying levels of pay hikes for workers. State employees who currently earn $40,000 a year or less will get a $1,400 pay raise. Those earning more than $40,000 will receive a $1,000 raise. There will be a 5 percent pay raises to state law-enforcement officers and 10 percent raises to judges, state attorneys and public defenders. The summary of SB 7022 — a comprehensive benefits package for Florida employees — is here. Also download the PDF, and read more from the AP and the Orlando Sentinel.

Brightline rail will start with deeply discounted fares

The new Brightline rail service linking Miami to West Palm Beach with a stop in Fort Lauderdale will start with deeply discounted fares when it takes its first runs in late summer and offers full service in the early fall, CEO Dave Howard says. More from Miami Today.

Winter Park-based Izea stock sinks steadily after NASDAQ listing

Winter Park-based ad tech firm Izea has seen its stock price drop by more than 50 percent since it joined the NASDAQ exchange in February 2016. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida ranks near bottom nationally for long term services for elderly

Florida may welcome seniors for their golden years, but there’s no gold star for the state for aging services, a new AARP report shows. Florida ranks 46 among the states in a new scorecard that examines accessibility and quality of long-term care for the aging and disabled. See the state scorecard from AARP, here. More from the Naples Daily News.

Atlanta Braves to-do list: Grant submitted, North Port approved

North Port leaders this week scratched off two more items on their to-do list for an Atlanta Braves spring training complex. The progress on both items is arguably the midway point in series of steps needed to finalize the planned stadium complex. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Around the State
Flight risk

florida President Trump’s frequent visits to Palm Beach and consequent federal restrictions on general aviation nearby have proved a bane to local airport-based businesses — but a boomlet to outlying airports.

» Access full story.

Business Profile
The Circus Arts Conservatory

florida originalsA cardboard box full of instant happiness is stashed in the corner of an office at the Circus Arts Conservatory. It’s packed to the brim with red foam clown noses. The Sarasota-based nonprofit recently placed an order for 2,000 noses to restock its supply.

» Read more from the Business Observer.

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

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Florida Trend Video Pick

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.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

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