Tuesday's Daily Pulse
Does citrus have to genetically modify or die?
Everybody loves Florida orange juice. Since its emergence in the late 1940s, the sunny beverage has survived hurricanes and anti-sugar diet crazes to become as common on American breakfast tables as scrambled eggs. But Florida’s citrus industry is facing a new existential threat: Citrus greening. [Source: Fast Company]
Related, from Florida Trend:
» Mark Howard column on citrus greening: Chasing the yellow dragon
Why the Supreme Court's Medicaid decision matters
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case that will have big consequences for how an estimated 68 million Americans get health care. More specifically, the case involves whether or not doctors and hospitals can sue states if they feel the rates they get paid by Medicaid, the public insurance program for low-income Americans, are too low. [Source: Businessweek]
Most in Congress wealthier than constituents
Newly crunched numbers from the Center for Responsive Politics find the Florida congressional delegation is much like the rest of the U.S. Senate and House — far wealthier than everyday Americans. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Gas prices at 6-year low and still dipping
Gasoline prices are falling by about 1 cent per day, nearing an average $2 per gallon in Florida, travel club AAA said. That's the lowest price in nearly six years, thanks to increased supply of oil used to make gasoline. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
BP hopes to lessen potential $13.7 billion spill penalty
Lawyers for the government and oil giant BP head to federal court Tuesday for a trial in that could add more than $13 billion in penalties to the billions BP already has shelled out as a result of 2010 Gulf oil spill. [Source: AP]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Central Florida business forecast 2015 [Orlando Sentinel]
Central Florida's main industries – including tourism, real estate, retail, technology and health – are poised to take advantage of our improving economy.
› Miami Heat donates unsold arena food to area shelters [Miami Herald]
Over the last seven seasons, the Re-Heat program has donated more than 33,000 pounds of food including pasta, chicken, shrimp, rice, chips, hamburgers, hot dogs, even pizza in the box.
› PGA National to undergo multimillion-dollar renovation in 2015 [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
PGA National Resort & Spa — home of the PGA Tour Honda Classic — will undergo a multimillion-dollar renovation that will include upgrades to its spa, dining and health and fitness offerings, management announced recently.
› Challenge to Florida law threatens microbreweries [Bay News 9]
Despite a boom in business for craft breweries, a challenge to a Florida law may stifle growth. Florida liquor stores and beer distributors are teaming up to challenge the law that allows craft breweries to sell their beers in tasting rooms.
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› West Palm Beach-based BurgerFi reports record growth in 2014 [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Propelled by the popularity of its hormone-free Angus burgers, hot dogs, fries and craft beer, BurgerFi opened 31 new restaurants in 2014 and now operates a total of 63 in the U.S.
› Plan for paved bike path across Everglades moves forward [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A proposal for a paved bike trail across the Everglades moved closed to reality this month, with the release of a draft feasibility study for a 76-mile path that would run next to Tamiami Trail.
› Trustco and credit unions are alive in Southwest Florida [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
A New York bank that has been steadily growing in Florida over the past decade has opened another office in Sarasota. Trustco Bank's latest branch in Beneva Village is its second in Sarasota and sixth in Southwest Florida.
› Kroger looking to bag a major acquisition: Could it be eyeing Bi-Lo/Winn-Dixie? [Tampa Bay Business Journal]
Midwestern grocer Kroger Co. may be looking to enter Florida in a big way. Analyst Carol Levenson wrote that " all signs point to management's willingness to make a major acquisition" in a report after analyzing the company's bonds.