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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
State debt reduction called ‘sea change’
Florida has reduced debt that helps finance initiatives like roads, schools and environmental projects by more than $7 billion over the past eight years, according to a new report from the state Division of Bond Finance. The debt amount dropped from $28.2 billion in July 2010 to $21 billion through June 30. [Source: Florida Politics]
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» About state debt reduction, CFO Jimmy Patronis says, "I’m especially encouraged that our state has a AAA bond rating from all three rating agencies for the first time in history."
Small businesses give C-minus rating to Florida
Small-business owners give Florida a C-plus for friendliness to their ability to operate, according to an app that connects businesses to customers. That ranked the Sunshine State near the middle of the pack nationally, at 29th. The "Thumbtack Small Business Friendliness Survey" drew more than 7,500 responses nationally, with 532 from Florida business operators. Read more at the Orlando Sentinel. See how your Florida city rates for Small Business, according to Thumbtack, here.
Spending in Florida’s marquee political fights hits $129 million
Florida is home to the most expensive U.S. Senate and gubernatorial race in the country, according to the newest ad spending figures. The Senate race between Bill Nelson and Rick Scott has hit $40.5 million. The gubernatorial race, featuring two Republicans and a host of Democrats, including late entry Jeff Greene, a billionaire who is spending big, is at $88.6 million. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Women helping women: Aminta Ventures aims to foster a base of women investors
To cultivate a base of women investors, a group of South Florida women active in the startup world founded Aminta Ventures in late 2016. Through boot camps, speakers, pitch sessions and other activities, Aminta helps women learn about angel investing, meet like-minded women and build an ecosystem friendlier to women entrepreneurs.
» Full story here. (This article is part of a regional report for Miami-Dade and includes business briefs, people in the news.)
Former Florida chief justice challenges Amendment 8, five others as unconstitutionally bundled
Retired Florida chief justice Harry Lee Anstead has asked his former panel to require justification for why six proposed constitutional amendments including Amendment 8 should remain on the November ballot, or to toss them out. See the document filed in the Supreme Court by Harry Anstead and Robert Barnas, here. Also read more at the Tampa Bay Times.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› In strong position, Miami International Airport refunds bonds from its makeover
Miami International Airport’s strong position in both domestic and international service and its recent financial stability have earned its $792.3 million in aviation revenue refunding bonds an ‘A’ rating and stable outlook from Fitch Ratings.
› Metro Orlando firm wins $79.3M defense deal to build infrared system parts
Melbourne-based DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC, along with Raytheon Co. in Texas, each won a $79.3 million contract from the Defense Logistics Agency on Aug. 10, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
› Veteran-owned, Jacksonville-based coffee company honored by Cabinet
A veteran-owned coffee company based in Jacksonville was honored Tuesday during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet. Small business Social Grounds Coffee Company was recognized with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award.
› State launches investigation, assesses $800,000 in damages against SunPass contractor
On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Transportation took significant action against SunPass contractor Conduent by assessing them nearly $800,000 in damages. In addition, at Governor Scott’s direction, FDOT has requested an investigation by the Office of the Chief Inspector General (CIG) into Conduent’s failures and mismanagement of the SunPass system transition. Read more at the Tampa Bay Times.
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