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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
› Two Florida business schools now ranked among top 70 nationwide, U.S. News says
Florida’s two top business schools now rank among the 70 best in the United States, according to a new ranking by U.S. News and World Report. Joining UF in the top 70 was the University of Miami, which surged 13 points to a four-way tie for 62nd. One other Florida business school made it into the top 100: the University of South Florida (in a tie for 87th with the University of Denver).
› Are you planning a cruise this year? You’re not alone. Here’s where ships are headed
The ships are bigger — one based at PortMiami has over 18 decks, seven swimming pools and a water slide park. The trips are more ambitious — one vessel left downtown Miami in December for 274 days while another will depart Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale this December and visit five continents.
› Universal Orlando specialty license plate on deck in new Florida law
The nonprofit Make-A-Wish Foundation benefited from the instant success of the Walt Disney World specialty license plate, and now Universal Orlando might play a similar role for the charity Give Kids The World if and when Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill passed during this year’s legislative session. Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre nonprofit resort in Central Florida that caters to the wishes of children with critical illnesses to visit places like Universal, Disney, SeaWorld and Legoland.
› Merritt Island development boom includes housing, hospital, retail, restaurants
Work is underway on a new $410 million hospital. There is a $120 million luxury apartment project planned nearby. And not far away will be a concert amphitheater, plus new retailers and restaurants. Development on Merritt Island is taking off in a big way. "The development has been robust. It doesn't seem like it's slowing down," said Florida Rep. Tyler Sirois, whose House of Representatives district includes Merritt Island and who has lived there much of his life.
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