March 28, 2024

Monday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/4/2019

Why legalized sports betting is unlikely in 3 largest U.S. states, including Florida

Sports gambling legalization efforts are nonexistent or very unlikely to happen anytime soon in the nation’s three most populous states, which together hold more than a quarter of the U.S. population. The reasons vary. In Florida, powerful tribal interests that control most casino gambling are reluctant to reopen their agreements with the state and potentially share the gambling market with other players, including card rooms and race tracks. More from the AP and the Tampa Bay Times.

How big is Puerto Rico’s economy? We may soon find out

Puerto Rico has a bigger economy than some states, but how big — and how badly it was undercut by Hurricane Maria — is not clear because the island is the only U.S. territory whose economic data is not fully measured by the U.S. Commerce Department. That’s about to change. [Source: MIami Herald]

Florida environment weighs on lawmakers as boom continues

From water quality to infrastructure needs, education funding and prison overcrowding, many of the big issues facing Florida revolve around a familiar challenge: Rapid population growth. It’s an issue that has been at the heart of Florida’s public policy debates for many years. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

Florida governor meets with NYC businesses amid Amazon fallout

Two weeks after Amazon announced it was abandoning its deal to come to Queens because of vocal opposition from local officials and activists, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has swooped into the city to tell major financial firms that they won’t have such problems in his state. [Source: NY Post]

Florida may get into the business of backing films again if state bills pass

Even without the state incentive that lures productions to places like Georgia, the Tampa Bay area is experiencing an independent film boom as seven-figure budget flicks schedule shoots across the area. Now, two different state programs have been proposed in Senate bills that could bring more film and television work here. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Company that oversaw construction of collapsed FIU bridge files for bankruptcy
The contractor behind a pedestrian bridge at Florida International University that collapsed last year said it filed for bankruptcy to reorganize with protection from creditors. A spokesman for the company said MCM plans to reorganize in bankruptcy and resume normal business operations over the next six months.

› Pretzel company searches for franchisees as it expands further into Florida
It serves traditional soft pretzels, mini pretzels, cinnamon pretzels, pretzel dogs — and don’t forget cheesesteak pretzels. Now Philly Pretzel Factory, with 173 locations, plans to expand further into Florida, setting its sights specifically on Sarasota.

› Could Brightline trains one day ride through a tunnel under the New River?
Brightline train passengers may one day be whisked through the heart of Fort Lauderdale — over a high span or even through a tunnel — in a big change in how trains get past the New River.

› Orlando Tesla store may close as Elon Musk company will shutter most dealerships
Employees at Orlando’s Tesla dealership didn’t know Friday if the electric car showroom and sales center will close after founder Elon Musk announced a major shift in how the company would sell vehicles

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

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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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