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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26, 2007
Decline in Home Prices Socks Builder Lennar [AP]
Tough times in the national and Florida housing market led the Miami-based home building company to a record loss of $513.9 million in the third quarter. It was the biggest quarterly loss in the 53-year history of Lennar.
Related articles:
MIAMI:
Turf Battle Near On Tuition [Miami Herald]
The 17-member board that oversees Florida's higher education system is expected to approve tuition increases this week -- setting the stage for a showdown with the governor and Legislature.
Related article:
TALLAHASSEE:
Legislators at Odds Over Tax Bill Again [St. Petersburg Times]
After a judge axes the property tax plan, the House leader wants to fix it and the Senate leader forget it.
Related articles:
VERO BEACH:
Final Piper Incentive Offer Is in the Works [TC Palm]
The package would update earlier proposals made after an Indian River County referendum on $40 million in funding to retain the company was cancelled. Piper had said that a vote was not in the best interests of county residents. The aircraft-maker is considering moving its headquarters and planned manufacturing plant for the PiperJet from Vero Beach to Albuquerque or Oklahoma City.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
›Sen. Nelson Vows to Sue Over Loss of Democratic Delegates [Naples Daily News]
Bill Nelson is fed up with his own party. Related: How did we get into this primary mess?
›Cypress Gardens Has a New Owner, Third Time in 12 Years [Lakeland Ledger]
Mulberry-based Land South Holdings bought the oldest theme park in the state Tuesday for $16.8 million at a bankruptcy auction in Georgia.
›Insurers Clamber to Prevent No-Fault Insurance's Return [Tallahassee Democrat]
The threat that lawmakers next week might resurrect Florida's no-fault auto-insurance law has insurers scrambling to kill the deal before it gathers momentum.
›These Homes Come with a Little Disney Magic [Orlando Sentinel]
KB Home has an exclusive deal to market Disney furnishings at its developments nationwide.
›Crist Takes Global Initiative [St. Petersburg Times]
Gov. Charlie Crist will be a featured speaker - along with actor Brad Pitt, media mogul Ted Turner and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair - at a major climate change event in New York today hosted by former President Bill Clinton.
›GOP Offer to Dems: Switch Parties, Make Your Vote Count [St. Petersburg Times]
State Republicans hope to gain from primary frustrations with a new mailer.
›South Florida Hotel Occupancy Increased in August [Sun-Sentinel]
But business through August this year remains largely flat compared with 2006, according to industry executives and Smith Travel Research.
›Publix Goes Greener with Opening of Organic, Natural Store [AP]
GreenWise will carry a majority of organic and healthier foods. It’s one of several stores they plan to open under the name of their private label. Related from Florida Trend: The Art of the Aisle
›Rotten Tomato Business Spurs Grower to Drop Crop [Palm Beach Post]
St. Lucie County's only tomato-packing facility won't be opening for business this season.
›Spirit Airlines Adopts 'Lighter' Image [Miami Herald]
The Miramar-based airline has expanded with new routes, a new focus and all new management during the last few years, in its latest reincarnation as the largest low-cost carrier from Fort Lauderdale to Latin America and the Caribbean. Related from Florida Trend: In High Spirits
›Water Managers to Give Businesses $10M for 'Clean Technologies' [Sentinel]
The plan calls for the South Florida Water Management District to establish a venture capital fund that could be tapped by private businesses or other organizations developing technologies such as alternative water supplies and new ways to remove pollutants from the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee.
›Florida Students' Test Scores Are Up, But Why? [St. Petersburg Times]
The state made the most dramatic gains in the nation in reading and math in early grades. Former Gov. Jeb Bush calls it "another validation" of changes he implemented. But these scores are better at showing the what than explaining the why.
›USF Game to Be a Cash Cow for Bucs [Tampa Tribune]
The University of South Florida Bulls' first ever sellout for Friday's game against West Virginia will guarantee a tidy profit for the 10-year-old football program. But they won't share it alone.
›Sarasota Manager Kicks Off NYSE Fund [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
A Sarasota asset manager launched a $147 million income fund this week on the New York Stock Exchange and plans to have three mutual funds trading by year's end.
›Palms West CEO Quits Amid Flaps with Doctors [Palm Beach Post]
Palm Beach County's shortage of doctors handling emergencies claimed another victim this week: Palms West Hospital CEO Ron Lavater.
›Bay Area Company's Technology Debuts On 'CSI: Miami' [St. Petersburg Times]
The tracking and monitoring device plays a key role on the hit show.
›USF Lakeland Gets $5M Gift from County [Lakeland Ledger]
Commissioners think the funding will jump-start the venture.
›FSU Med School Among Best for Producing Family Doctors [FSU News]
The Florida State University College of Medicine is ranked second in the nation for the percentage of its graduating doctors who choose to specialize in family medicine, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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