![[Stern-Wheeler Arriving at Silver Springs, Florida, after an Overnight Run up the St. Johns, Oklawaha, & Silver Rivers]](https://i0.wp.com/devoelmoorecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/DT1649.jpg?fit=1080%2C879&ssl=1)
By Jad Kabbani North Florida's springs are highly valued environmental resources, known for their water quality and recreational appeal. The region, along with Central Florida, is home to the densest concentration of freshwater springs in the world. Consequentially, North Florida's economy heavily depends on this abundant natural resource as visitors and locals take advantage of … Continue reading Protecting North Florida’s Springs
How Technology is Enabling a Revolution in Effective, Efficient Self-Regulation
By Maia Hass As the world becomes more technologically advanced, the online peer-to-peer sharing economy grows with it. In the last decade, digital platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway have introduced more personalized lodging options. However, the unique features associated with these platforms have raised concerns among consumers and legislators about the lack of … Continue reading How Technology is Enabling a Revolution in Effective, Efficient Self-Regulation
Defunding Florida’s Film Industry Incentives was Example of Evidence-Based Policy
By Marisa Lupica and Matt Kelly States have been competing fiercely for movie productions with tax incentives since the early 2000s. Such incentives include cash grants, income tax credits, sales tax rebates, or payroll tax credits. Today, 37 states offer tax incentives for film productions. However, recent economic research shows that film tax incentives fail … Continue reading Defunding Florida’s Film Industry Incentives was Example of Evidence-Based Policy
New Study Explores Crony Capitalism in Florida
A new study published by The James Madison Institute by DeVoe L. Moore Center Policy Analyst Matthew Kelly and Center Director Samuel Staley explores two examples of crony capitalism in Florida's government policy: sports stadium subsidies and film tax incentives. The authors urge Floridians to remain vigilant over the spending of their tax dollars by government … Continue reading New Study Explores Crony Capitalism in Florida
Tourism Vital to Florida’s Economy
By Erick Winterkamp Florida is known around the world for its white sandy beaches, diverse wildlife and theme parks. These environmental and manmade attractions make it a hotspot for domestic and international tourism. State and local taxes and spending have impacted the tourism industry, but Florida would likely be a tourism destination with or without … Continue reading Tourism Vital to Florida’s Economy
Tourism tax may soon be used for public services
By Erick Winterkamp Officials in Okaloosa County recently diverted $2.5 million of Tourism Development Tax (TDT) revenues to pay for beach patrol and lifeguards, a move that Florida’s powerful tourism lobby contested. Tourism industry interest groups like the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association claimed this was … Continue reading Tourism tax may soon be used for public services
Florida’s Tourism Development Tax
By Erick Winterkamp Policymakers experience conflicting pressure concerning taxation. Corporations want taxation on competing products and industries, government officials often need more taxation to cover rising expenses, and the public would rather taxes be levied on anyone but themselves. Balancing these opposing factors, along with elected officials’ desire for reelection, results in a myriad … Continue reading Florida’s Tourism Development Tax
Thaw in Cuban Economic Sanctions May Heat Up Florida’s Economy
By: Roberto Cordovez* Pope Francis’ trip to Havana has put Cuba back in the spotlight as America continues journey toward normalizing relations between the two nations. While most believe normalization will be a boon for Cuba’s economy, few have explored the implications for Florida’s economy. A 2014 poll conducted by Florida International University professors Guillermo … Continue reading Thaw in Cuban Economic Sanctions May Heat Up Florida’s Economy
Transit and Tourism in Tampa’s Heritage Streetcar’s
By Santiago Arango Heritage streetcars are built both to provide transportation services and to preserve the history of rail transit, a history that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. As of late 2012, seven U.S cities have running heritage streetcars. The Tampa Electric Company (TECO) Line Streetcar System is one example. The Florida Department … Continue reading Transit and Tourism in Tampa’s Heritage Streetcar’s
New Book Documents Tourist’s Adventures in Cuba
By Matt Kelly A new book by Jason R. Old, professor of Spanish and Latin American Culture at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, sheds light on the people of Cuba, a timely topic given recent decisions to open up trade with this island nation. “I invite you to enjoy my anthrotouristic journey through Cuba, as … Continue reading New Book Documents Tourist’s Adventures in Cuba
Sports Stadiums Not Worth Public Subsidies
By Logan Shewmaker Next time you attend a ballgame, consider for a moment the monumental effort necessary to build a sports stadium. Surely, stadiums are among the most impressive structures ever built. Tourists continue to marvel at the architectural wonder of Rome’s Coliseum. But does that justify public subsidies? Three-fourths of stadiums in the U.S. … Continue reading Sports Stadiums Not Worth Public Subsidies
Rubio’s Opposition to Normalization with Cuba Not Without Merit
By Matt Kelly Florida Senator Marco Rubio has been an outspoken critic of President Obama’s call to end the trade embargo on Cuba, characterizing the policy shift as “a victory for oppressive governments the world over.”The grandson of Cuban immigrants, Rubio represents the interests of “old school” emigres. This group, which immigrated following the 1959 … Continue reading Rubio’s Opposition to Normalization with Cuba Not Without Merit
Normalizing Relations with Cuba: A Step Forward
Original post date: December 23, 2014 Article by: Matt Kelly In a recent statement, President Obama suggested Congress lift the 54 year long trade embargo on Cuba and announced concrete steps he and the communist nation’s president Raul Castro would take to normalize relations. The controversial statement elicited mixed responses from legislators, news media, and … Continue reading Normalizing Relations with Cuba: A Step Forward