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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Will 2014 be the year of the raise?
With the unemployment rate set to fall nearer to pre-recession levels by year's end, 2014 could be the Year of the Raise — at least for some people. For millions of workers, it's about time: Real median family income has fallen 6.4% to $52,163 since peaking in 2007. [Source: USA Today]
See also:
» A look at minimum wage legislation in states
» Wealth gap: A guide to what it is, why it matters
Chefs, farmers, advocates urge more locally sourced Florida foods
A recent, unprecedented gathering of area chefs, farmers and food advocates has created Central Florida's first coalition for the promotion of farm-to-table cuisine and sustainable agriculture in the region. It's a move that could ultimately boost the local economy as well as Central Florida's culinary reputation. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Gov. Scott wants to cut corporate filing fees
Scott next week will roll out his proposed budget recommendations to the Florida Legislature. The Republican governor wants to save businesses $33 million by reducing fees paid when companies register with the state. [Source: AP]
Helping college students weigh majors' salary potential
Psychology or engineering? Music or nursing? Students wrestling with the hefty decision of what to study — and worried about how much money they will make once they get their degrees — can get some answers from a new website that offers detailed information about the earnings of Florida graduates. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Another bid to rein in state-run insurer Citizens
Citizens is implementing a new application process forcing insurance agents to aggressively shop policies in the private market before placing them with the state-run insurer. Many homeowners will no longer be eligible for a new Citizens policy, and thousands of existing Citizens policyholders may eventually be forced out of the company. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Key aviation projects develop on Space Coast
From large companies like Embraer Executive Jets to smaller operations like Comp Air, 2014 is shaping up to be a key year for Brevard County's aviation and aerospace sectors.
› Jacksonville, schools balk at suspension costs
Jacksonville and the Duval County public school system are facing off over who should pay for a program both agree has helped keep tens of thousands of kids off the city streets.
› Miami cabbies: Low pay, poor service
Most taxicab drivers in Miami have little economic incentive to provide better service to passengers. A few cabbies are their own bosses, pocketing all the cash they make. But most are mere chauffeurs, paying richer people for the privilege to chase down fares — without any incentive to cater to passengers.
› Florida firm explores unmanned aircraft market
The small remote-control helicopters hovering in a conference room took on the look of fun flight at a hobby store. But when mounted with video cameras and with further development by a Jacksonville company and others, the aircraft could mean hundreds of millions of dollars in new commerce for Florida.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
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