Monday's Daily Pulse
Holiday-shopping season kicks off with hints of hope
Retailers in Florida and across the nation are pinning their fortunes on strong sales this holiday season, trying to reverse several years of tepid growth since the depths of the Great Recession in 2008. This year, there are reasons to be optimistic. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Lawmakers meeting to set agenda
With a decisive Republican majority and a newly re-elected governor, Florida lawmakers meet Tuesday to elect new leaders, install newly elected members and set a conservative agenda that will guide the Legislature over the next two years. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Digital coupons rise in popularity
Couponing has evolved from the days of simply snipping away at the Sunday newspaper. Now mobile apps, digital coupons and text message discounts are providing shoppers a fistful of money-saving tools they can access from their mobile devices. [Source: Miami Herald]
 Todd "MJ" Schnitt leaving the courtroom. |
Florida Bar investigates Tampa lawyers
The Florida Bar is investigating three Tampa lawyers for allegedly setting up an opposing attorney for a DUI arrest in a case involving shock jocks Todd “MJ” Schnitt and Bubba “The Love Sponge” Clem. Access full story.
Workers' comp cost is set to dip
For the first time in four years, employers will be paying less for workers' compensation insurance in Florida. That's because the state insurance commissioner, Kevin McCarty, has approved an overall 5.2 percent decrease in workers' comp insurance rates, effective Jan. 1. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Mike Pappas talks South Florida real estate [Miami Herald]
Mike Pappas has been steeped in South Florida real estate his entire life. The Miami native, joined by his brother, Tim Pappas, took over Keyes Co. from their father, Ted Pappas, in 1992. Amid a wave of consolidation, Keyes is one of the few big real estate brokerages in South Florida that continues operating independently.
› Nonprofit law firm takes on state education system in quest for quality [Gainesville Business Report]
A lawsuit that aims to shake the foundations of the state education system is originating from Gainesville. Local nonprofit law firm Southern Legal Counsel is suing the Florida State Board of Education and a list of related officials in a class-action lawsuit.
› Is Tampa apartment and condo tower boom the start of a bubble? [Tampa Bay Times]
Not to pooh-pooh the growing celebration of more and more apartment and condo towers proposed or already under construction in downtown Tampa. But — please — let's not become so euphoric that we end up in a real estate bubble in the core of this emerging city.
› Brevard's businesses have unique gift ideas [Florida Today]
Wherever the mythical North Pole is, chances are Brevard County is about as far away as you're going to get. But there are still hundreds of elves building things here that no doubt will make nice — and unusual — gifts this holiday.
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› Study: South Florida home affordability worsening [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Buying a home in South Florida became even more unaffordable in 2014 than in 2013 and 2012, according to a new ranking released Friday by Interest.com, a subsidiary of North Palm Beach-based Bankrate.com.
› Officials grapple with Brevard's marketing [Florida Today]
As he takes on the job of Brevard County's tourism chief, Eric Garvey faces the task of leading an agency that faces something of an identity crisis in its marketing. A key question: How much to emphasize "Space Coast?"
› In its 31st year, the Miami Book Fair International keeps finding ways to grow [Miami Herald]
Not all love affairs last more than 30 years. Time passes. Interests change. People move on. But as the 31st annual Miami Book Fair International kicks off with ambitious new elements that reinforce the city’s legacy as an arts and cultural mecca, we’re reminded of why this relationship is a lasting one.
› Outback Steakhouse parent sued over allegations of required unpaid work [Tampa Bay Times]
A federal court has conditionally certified a nationwide class of more than 100,000 hourly employees of the Outback Steakhouse chain, owned by Tampa's Bloomin' Brands, over allegations of required off-the-clock work by hourly workers resulting in potential minimum wage and overtime violations.