MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010
TALLAHASSEE
Crist 'No' Morphs into a 'Maybe'
Gov. Charlie Crist's admission that he could skip the primary election for U.S. Senate and run as an independent in November has thrown political analysts and the GOP establishment into a frenzy. Under Florida law, Crist must declare whether he's running for the GOP nomination or as an independent by Friday. There's no sore-loser provision as in Connecticut, for example, where Sen. Joe Lieberman lost a Democratic primary in 2006 but was able to win the general election as an independent. [Source: St. Petersburg Times]
DAYTONA
Track Repaving Prompted by Pothole Fiasco
Daytona International Speedway's 32-year-old racing surface will be removed and replaced with new asphalt in time for next year's Speed Weeks program. Speedway president Robin Braig announced details of the massive project at a press conference at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. A small section of the Speedway surface failed during February's Daytona 500, forcing two frustrating race delays for repair. The 2.5-mile, high-banked tri-oval was last repaved in 1978, but this project will be much more intense since the surface will be removed to the limestone/coquina bed and replaced. [Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal]
TAMPA BAY
Value of Home Appraisal Process in Question
A year ago, the nation's housing industry adopted new rules aimed at preventing the kind of appraisal-related fraud that helped drive home prices to ridiculous — and unsustainable — heights. Now, many Tampa Bay real estate agents say the appraisal rules are a good idea gone bad, delaying and threatening sales as the market struggles to recover. [Source: St. Petersburg Times]
SOUTH FLORIDA
Casino Gambling Scene on a Hot Streak
South Florida's gambling scene has been on a hot streak in recent years, as has the scene for high rollers. Locals are flying less to other cities and hitting the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. Big spenders from around the world are visiting to gamble in a spot where they also can hit the beach — and nab some Hard Rock perks. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› As Tampa Area Rail Projects Advance, Confusion Reigns
President Barack Obama announced $1.25?billion in federal seed money to connect Tampa and Orlando with high-speed rail. All the attention given to the high-speed rail money is having a side effect: Some would-be voters are confused about the need for a local transit tax.
› New Generation of Business Leaders in South Florida
The Miami Herald asked readers to nominate people under 40 who have distinguished themselves in their fields -- or who are on the verge of making significant contributions to South Florida's business, economic and civic life.
This diverse group of leaders is reflective of a broader shift in South Florida's business community.
Gone are the large public corporations and large banks with the power to quickly raise large amounts of cash. Instead, today's business community is dominated by entrepreneurs and a collection of small to midsize companies.
› Investor Has Faith in Old, Historic Downtowns
Steve Leary likes downtowns -- older, historic downtowns in particular. Leary Management Group, the company he runs with his brother, Bill, owns properties in downtown Winter Park and Mount Dora. It also owns Vista del Lago, a time share resort in Four Corners. "We like historic downtowns. We're big believers in historic downtowns. It's a gut-feel belief."
› Broward GOP to Elect New Leader
But the Broward Executive Republican Committee is no longer the only game in town for Republicans, as other political groups have formed. Republican activists in Broward now include anyone from the couple wearing 1770s colonial garb playing the fife and drums at a Tea Party protest, to a gay Republican club handing out condoms, to a young Hispanic activist with a feisty blog.
› Dems Close Ranks on Finance Bill, Pressing GOP
Senate Democrats said Sunday that they had bridged internal party differences and coalesced around a plan to tighten regulation of derivatives, the complex financial instruments that were a major factor in the 2008 economic crisis.
› Forecasters Optimistic About Economy, Job Creation
Economists are more optimistic about prospects for growth this year as industries increasingly report better profits and add new jobs, though they still expect the recovery to remain slow, a new survey shows.
› Graham, Others Challenge Legislature on Tuition Rates
A group including former Gov. and ex-U.S. Sen. Bob Graham will continue a lawsuit challenging the Legislature's authority to set tuition at state universities, although one of its partners has withdrawn.
› Will $15.8M Makeover Transform Worth Avenue?
Worth Avenue, long synonymous with a culture of wealth, luxury and privilege, has been characterized in recent years as “tired” and “fallen from grace.” Years of wear and tear, coupled with the Great Recession and a change in the way people shop, have created cracks in the street’s glamorous facade — both literally and figuratively. And so, another season safely behind it, stately Worth Avenue is rushing to update itself in time to lure next season’s guests.
commentary
› For Florida Economy, Politics as Usual Won't Help
A dozen years ago, Florida Republicans took control of the House, Senate and Governor's Office in Tallahassee. To this day, they remain in control. That might make one wonder why the Florida economy is so deeply in the tank.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Claims, Counterclaims in Quest for Dream Home
All Mila Soccolich wanted was for her house to be built near her in-laws in Lakewood Ranch and for the chance to gradually relocate with her husband from Teaneck, N.J. But after three years of battling with her home builder, officials in Manatee County's, the engineer who inspected her house and the arbitrator chosen to hear her case, Soccolich realizes her dream will never come true. Also: Lakewood Ranch proposal gets cold reception
› Offshore Drilling Faces New Skepticism
The explosion and collapse of an oil rig in the off Louisiana’s coastline has U.S. Senator Bill Nelson calling for a congressional investigation. And, it’s raised skepticism about plans to expand offshore drilling but not necessarily changed attitudes about the president’s policy.
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Murky Finances Threaten Frontrunner in Florida Senate Race
Now that Republicans have made him the U.S. Senate front-runner, Marco Rubio is trying to weather potentially damaging revelations about his credit card use, double billing for airfare and murky finances.
› Award Honors Entrepreneurs, Executives
Business excellence and a dedication to civic duty are the hallmarks of the 2009 Excalibur Award winners. Hospital executive John C. Johnson, accountant Frank Compiani, furniture liquidator Michael J. Grimme and general contractor Michael Kaufman were presented with the Sun Sentinel Co.'s signature business honor.
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In Tampa, LLT Charter High School to Close
Curt Miller will formally deliver the bad news at an assembly Wednesday to students, parents and faculty members of the charter school he founded in 2008 just west of Progress Village. LLT Charter High School, named for its focus on leadership, literacy and technology, will close at the end of the school year. Also: Pinellas charter school in jeopardy
› Idyllic Lifestyle Turns into a Nightmare
Loud parties, underage drinking, drugs, fights, car accidents and a horse in ill health have been haunting the residents of what had been a quiet country lane at the border of Volusia and Flagler counties for the past four months.
The 197-acre property at the end of Shedd Lane was sold in 2008 to a Virginia man, Donald Hodge, and a little more than a year later, the problems started.