Monday's Daily Pulse
Taking a shine to solar power not easy
One of the most popular ways for home and business owners to get solar panels on their roofs is illegal in Florida because it involves purchasing the energy — not the panels themselves — and only regulated utilities are allowed to sell electricity in the state. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
See also:
» The problem with selling solar in Florida
» Solar energy debate casts shade on Sunshine State
» By the numbers: Paying for solar energy at a home or business
As problems with Florida's unemployment system persist, state seeks more money
It's costing the state more money to process far fewer claims as the economy has improved; technical defects persist; a key goal of automating more tasks hasn't been met; and Florida's ranking among other states in meeting the needs of the jobless has actually gotten worse. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Once an economic bedrock, 'middle class' feels unattainable to many
The very concept of the middle class — in which a U.S. family can make enough money to afford a home, a car, health care, child care, a yearly vacation and their kids' education — is increasingly in jeopardy. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Commercial fishermen fight to fish near NASA
In 2018, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore plan to phase out commercial fishing, and it's uncertain where those who sell their catches will be allowed to fish on the federal property. [Source: Florida Today]
Florida nail salon industry has troubles, but not like New York
Regulators and industry officials insist that Florida's nail salon industry does not appear to have the deep problems uncovered in New York. While nobody argues Florida's industry is trouble-free, rampant wage theft and exploitation of workers as noted by the New York Times is not thought to be a problem, according to industry officials. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Silicon Valley entrepreneur moves to Sarasota [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Christina Cherry was ready to leave the fast-paced nature of Silicon Valley behind. But she wasn't about to leave the technology industry.
› Black police officers underrepresented on Florida streets [Miami Herald]
In some cities, the percentages of black citizens are two to three times the percentages of black officers patrolling the streets, a disparity that experts say contributes to racial tensions, increases the risk of excessive uses of force, and drains taxpayer dollars due to unnecessary arrests and incarcerations.
› Jacksonville Mayoral Race Draws National Political Interest [AP]
There's a reason why the Jacksonville mayoral race is drawing the attention of outsiders like former President Bill Clinton, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Gov. Jeb Bush and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and it's about more than who wins on Tuesday.
› Assistance dogs graduate, land their first jobs [Orlando Sentinel]
The graduates who walked across a stage at SeaWorld Orlando Saturday don't have to worry about making connections or sending out resumes. They've already landed their first jobs.
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› Council helps businesses in Brazil, Florida navigate bureaucracy [TBO.com]
Brazil is Florida’s No. 1 trade partner when it comes to exports. But getting in the door isn’t easy. Cutting through red tape and tariffs requires a sharp tool.
› In anonymous survey, industry players dish on Miami real estate market [Miami Herald]
Even among South Florida’s most respected, down-in-the-trenches experts, there’s disagreement about what’s hot, what’s not and what’s next for Miami real estate.
› Gov. Scott's new health care panel meets Wednesday for first time [Gainesville Sun]
Gov. Rick Scott’s newly formed Healthcare and Hospital Funding Commission on Wednesday will launch itself into the middle of a bitter debate over health care funding that has stalemated the Florida Legislature’s ability to pass a new state budget.
› On retirement, WFLA's Gayle Sierens reflects on a lifetime in TV news [Tampa Bay Times]
When the Emmy winner retires on Wednesday at 60, she puts behind her decades of hard choices, ubiquitous challenges of balancing work with family, of pitting career ascension against a tug toward the home.