Work could begin this summer on $640M project, Beige Book sees signs economy is stabilizing … and more

1. Work could begin this summer on $640M Island Gardens project [Miami Today]
2. Casino expansion gets approval [SFBJ]
3. Development taxes will go to performing arts center [Miami Today]
4. Parkland begins drywall survey [Sun-Sentinel]
5. Miami-Dade office inventory increases [Miami Today]
6. State Farm asks for hearing on plan to leave state [Sun-Sentinel]
7. Miami puts stop to plan for mixed-use garage project [Miami Today]
8. Beige Book sees signs economy is stabilizing [Crain’s] and [CNBC]
9. Mortgage applications fell last week, rates stayed steady [Bloomberg], [CNN] and [CNBC]
10. Homebuilder confidence hits six-month high [CNN Money] and [Bloomberg]
11. REITs rise on Goldman statement that industry is showing signs of liquidity [Bloomberg]
12. Lenders pushed appraisers to inflate values before housing bust [Land Use Accountability Project]
13. Fannie and Freddie are under pressure to revamp [Bloomberg]